Environment Agency
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Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 23 December 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 9 December 2024 until further notice | Caversham reach | Fallen tree in navigation just downstream of Reading Bridge on north bank. |
| 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. |
| Until further notice | Botley Road Bridge, Oxford | Obstruction to navigation 50 metres upstream of Botley Bridge. Boaters should navigate with extreme caution. |
River closures: updated 9 December 2024
There are currently no events requiring river closures scheduled.
River restrictions: updated 12 December 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Thursday 21 November 2024 until further notice | Temple reach | Temple Bridge safety works 2024: the central arch of Temple Bridge will be closed for navigation. Boaters can navigate via the two side arches. |
| Saturday 18 January 2025 10am to 3:30pm | Sunbury reach | Weybridge Winter Head 2025: the navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right side of the river and the old river around Desborough Island. |
| 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. |
| Sunday 26 January, Sunday 9 February, and Sunday 4 May 2025 | Iffley reach | Isis Winter League 2024: in between races, a clear navigation channel will be in place along the centre of the river. |
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
Published 12 February 2020Last updated 23 December 2024 +show all updates
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Update to navigation issues. Culham Lock fully operable.
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River Thames: Restrictions and Closures updated for Monday 23 December 2024. Culham Lock on hand wind.
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Update to navigation issues. Fallen tree upstream of Boulters lock has been cleared from navigation.