Environment Agency
Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.
Navigation issues: updated 7 February 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 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 20 February 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| 6pm Sunday 24 September 2023 until further notice | Chertsey Lock | Chertsey Lock breakdown 2023: the lock is closed so that contractors can undertake repairs. |
| Saturday 2 March 2024, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm | Caversham reach | Reading University Head of the River Race: the river will be closed between Caversham Bridge, Reading, and Purley on Thames Marina during the stated times. |
River restrictions: updated 20 February 2024
| When | Where | Whats happening |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 4 February and Sunday 18 February 2024 | Iffley reach | Isis Winter League 2023 and 2024: the navigation channel will be in the centre of the river for large vessels. Smaller vessels will be allowed to use the transit lane downstream and follow racing boats upstream. |
| Monday 30 October 2023 to Monday 25 March 2024 | Iffley reach | Old Gasworks Bridge works 2023: these works will reduce the air draft of the bridge to 2.2 metres. This will be clearly signed on the bridge, together with hazard warning signage. |
Planned lock closures: updated 15 January 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 in August each year. 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.
We will update closure notices in all cases to ensure customers have at least 10 days before works commence.
Investment programme October 2023 to March 2024.
| When | Where | Work being carried out | Canoe portage with care during closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 January 2024 to 22 March 2024 | Hambleden Lock | Upgrading upstream and downstream lock gate sluices. | Yes |
| 2 January 2024 to 31 March 2024 | Bray Lock | Improvements to tail canoe portage. | No |
| 1 October 2023 until further notice | Chertsey Lock | Emergency works to fix the anchor plates that secure the gates to the wall | Yes |
| 1 October 2023 until further notice | Teddington Launch Lock | Reconstruction of the lock walls, gate ram trench and areas of the lock side. | Yes |
During the closure of Teddington Launch Lock navigation will be maintained by using the barge lock on site.
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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