Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 14 October 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 16 October 2024 | Old Windsor Lock | Old Windsor Lock will be without power from 8am to 5pm and will be on handwind only during this period. |
| 8 October 2024 until further notice | Sunbury Lock | Sunbury Lock public power is currently unavailable. You can use the lock by handwinding if a lock keeper is unavailable. |
| 22 June 2024 until further notice | Benson Lock | Shoal reported downstream of lock. When navigating upstream the shoal is on the right hand side of the navigation channel. Boaters should navigate with caution when entering or exiting the tail gates. |
| 23 April 2024 until further notice | Caversham reach | Submerged boat tied to left hand bank looking upstream, just upstream of St Marys Island. Boaters should navigate with caution. |
| 20 April 2024 Until further notice | Whitchurch head lock cut | Obstruction to navigation above head gates. Boaters should navigate with caution when entering or exiting the upstream lock cut. |
| 1 October 2023 until further notice | Teddington Launch Lock | Lock is closed for repairs to lock walls, gate ram trench and areas of the lock side. |
| Until further notice | Clifton weir stream | Shoal reported downstream of The Plough public house. Boaters are advised not to navigate up Clifton weir stream. |
| Until further notice | Canal Bridge, Radcot | A vehicle has damaged Canal Bridge, where Radcot Road A4095 crosses the River Thames. Please be cautious of falling debris if navigating near the bridge. |
| Until further notice | Boulters Lock | Gates on the pedestal side do not open fully. Width of the tail gates is restricted to no more than 5.5 metres (18). Please use caution when entering and exiting the lock. |
River closures: updated 7 October 2024
There are currently no scheduled events requiring river closure.
River restrictions: updated 14 October 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 9 September to Monday 4 November 2024 | Iffley reach | Oxford towpath and bank works 2024: there will be no mooring from Old Gasworks Bridge to Folly Bridge during the stated dates. |
| Saturday 19 October 2024 9am to 5pm | Sunbury reach | Weybridge Silver Sculls 2024: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right side of the river, using the old river around Desborough Island. |
| Sunday 10 November, Saturday 30 November 2024, Sunday 26 January, Sunday 16 February, Sunday 2 March 2025 | Hambleden reach | Henley Winter Series 2024: there will be no racing channel. Competitors will navigate the river correctly and safely whilst being aware of other river users. |
Planned lock closures: updated 13 September 2024
The Environment Agency carries out a programme of works on the River Thames every year between October and the end of March. This results in the closure of a number of locks sometimes for relatively long periods.
The first issue of the programme is published 10 weeks in advance of the first planned lock closure. This is so that river users can plan their winter cruising and boat movements well in advance.
This programme of work is subject to change, due to weather and other circumstances. Revised issues of the programme of works are published throughout the winter, so river users can keep up to date. To receive this information, sign up to the email update service.
Investment programme November 2024 to March 2025.
| When | Where | Work being carried out | Canoe portage with care during closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 November 2024 to 16 December 2024 | Buscot Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 27 November 2024 to 3 January 2025 | Whitchurch Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 3 January 2025 to 3 February 2025 | Sonning Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 31 January 2025 to 7 March 2025 | Marlow Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
| 10 March 2025 to 1 April 2025 | Romney Lock | Replacement of anchor blocks and collar straps. | Yes |
Email updates and newsletter
You can subscribe to newsletters about navigation on the River Thames and email updates on River Thames closures and restrictions.
To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this service, email riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk with subscribe or unsubscribe in the subject line.
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Updates to this page
Last updated 14 October 2024 +show all updates
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Old Windsor Lock will be without power from 8am to 5pm Wednesday 16 October. The lock will be on handwind only during this time.
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Update to Henley Winter Series. Event dated 20 October has been cancelled.
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New restriction notice added Weybridge Silver Sculls (Sat 19 Oct. 2024).
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Sunbury Lock public power is currently unavailable. You can use the lock by handwinding if a lock keeper is unavailable.
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Henley Bridge works delayed due to river conditions (Monday 14 October to Friday 22 November 2024).
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