Environment Agency
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Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 28 October 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 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 28 October 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 22 October to Friday 1 November 2024 | Osney reach | Botley Road Bridge essential works 2024: heavy plant is being lifted across the river and this will necessitate the temporary closure of navigation for short periods of time during daylight hours. |
| Saturday 9 November 2024 10am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm | Teddington reach | Kingston Small Boats Head 2024: the river will be closed between Trowlock Island and Hampton Court Bridge during the stated times. |
| Saturday 16 November 2024 10am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm | Teddington reach | Teddington Head 2024: the river will be closed between Trowlock Island and Hampton Court Bridge during the stated times. |
| Sunday 24 November 2024 9:30am to 12pm | Teddington reach | Royal Canoe Club 10@10 2024: the river will be closed between Trowlock Island and Kingston Bridge during the stated time. |
| Saturday 30 November 2024 9am to 11:30am and 1pm to 3:30pm | Molesey reach | Hampton Small Boats Head 2024: the river will be closed to all traffic 500 metres downstream of Sunbury Lock to 500 metres downstream of Platts Eyot during the stated time. |
River restrictions: updated 28 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. |
| Tuesday 22 October 2024 to Friday 31 January 2025 | Teddington reach | Teddington Lock Footbridge repairs 2024: whilst this work is carried out the width of the channel may be reduced by up to one third. |
| Saturday 2 November 2024 9am to 4pm | Hambleden reach | Henley Long Distance Sculls 2024: the navigation channel will be along the central third of the river. Boaters to keep to the Buckinghamshire, Fawley, right side of the river. |
| 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.
Please say whether you want to subscribe to or unsubscribe from:- closures and restrictions emails- newsletter emails- both
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Updates to this page
Last updated 28 October 2024