Updated: New notices added.
River conditions
Find out the latest river conditions and strong stream warnings by:
visiting our River Thames Conditions website
calling our Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or 0845 988 1188 (24-hour service) to hear recorded information and advice (find out about call charges)
talking to lock staff
River closures: updated 14 October 2016
When
Where
What’s happening
Saturday 5 November 2016 from 10am to noon, and 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Teddington Reach
Kingston small boats head race: the river between Hampton Court Bridge and 250 metres below Steven’s Eyot will be closed to all traffic other than authorised boats during these times.
Saturday 3 December 2016 from 10am to midday and 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Teddington Reach
Teddington small boats head race: the river between Hampton Court and the head of Trowlock Island will be closed to all traffic other than authorised boats during these times.
River restrictions: updated 14 October 2016
When
Where
What’s happening
Monday 10 to Friday 14 October 2016
Osney Railway Bridge
Railway bridge repair works: The works will be carried out from a moveable floating pontoon. Headroom available under the bridge will not be affected by the works.
Saturday 22 October 2016 from 9am to 5:30pm
Sunbury Reach
Weybridge silver sculls race: navigation will be on the Middlesex side of the river with a full closure of the Desborough Cut (where traffic will use the old river) and the channel separating the Surrey Bank from D’Oyly Carte Island.
Planned lock closures: updated 30 September 2016
The Environment Agency carries out a programme of works on the River Thames every year between November and Easter. In order to carry out this work, it often needs to close a number of locks for relatively long periods.
The Environment Agency’s programme of work is subject to change, due to weather and other circumstances, often beyond its control. It therefore publishes revised issues of the programme of works throughout the winter, so customers can keep up to date. To receive this information, you can sign up to the email update service by emailing riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk. You can also check this webpage.
Listed below are the locks that will be closed during the 2016 to 2017 investment programme. The locks will be closed from the first date listed and re-open on the day after the final date.
River Thames investment programme Issue 2 notice 2016 to 2017
River Thames investment programme Issue 2 map 2016 to 2017
When
Where
What’s happening
16 January 2017 to 27 January 2017
Buscot Lock
Repairing and making health and safety improvements to lock gate sluices and seals.
9 January 2017 to 24 February 2017
Shifford Lock
Re-sheeting lock gates, repairing balance beam and re-fixing rubbing timber.
1 November 2016 to 16 December 2016
King’s Lock
Re-sheeting lock gates, repairing balance beam and removing silt from travel lines of the lock gates. Head mooring embankment works and additional revenue moorings.
14 November 2016 to 16 December 2016
Clifton Lock
Strengthening works to lock gates.
14 November 2016 to 25 November 2016
Day’s Lock
Replacing sluice rod.
1 November 2016 to 16 December 2016
Goring Lock
Refurbishing lock chamber walls and replacing of worn rubbing timbers.
1 November 2016 to 10 February 2017
Old Windsor Lock Cut
Refurbishment and strengthening of the lock cut bridge by Thames Water.
9 January 2017 to 10 February 2017
Marlow Lock
Replacing lock chamber rubbing timbers and re-fixing all grab chains.
1 November 2016 to 16 December 2016
Penton Hook Lock
Repairing lock gates.
Keep up to date
Get the latest river information before you go boating. Call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 and when prompted select option 1 followed by:
River conditions and strong stream warnings: 011131
Work on the river and lock closures: 011132
Events on the river which affect boating: 011133
Find out about call charges.
Email
The Environment Agency sends email updates on River Thames closure and restrictions. To subscribe to this service, email riverthames@environment-agency.gov.uk with ‘subscribe to harbourmaster’s notices’ in the subject line.
Know your river conditions
Any river activity poses a greater risk when there are strong currents, high river levels or cold weather. River flows can increase even during the summer months – never assume sunny weather means the conditions are not hazardous.
Warning boards may be displayed at locks to inform river users of the conditions. Read the explanations of what these mean for you. Don’t take risks and never underestimate the power of the river.
When these red boards are displayed on lock gates, we advise users of all boats not to navigate because the strong flows make it difficult and dangerous.
People in hire boats arriving at a lock where these boards are displayed should stop immediately and contact their hire boat operator to ask for instructions.
When these yellow boards are displayed on lock gates, we advise users of all unpowered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to find a safe mooring. This is because river flows are likely to strengthen, and red boards could be displayed very soon and without further warning.
When these yellow boards are displayed on lock gates, we advise users of all unpowered boats not to navigate and users of powered boats to navigate with caution.
Dealing with changing river conditions
Read this section carefully to find out what to do if you find yourself in conditions where we advise you to stop navigating. Remember, not all conditions will be serious enough to require all the measures suggested below.
Please take the advice to stop. Even the most experienced boater can be caught out, so think about those who could be put in danger if they have to help you.
Moor your boat in a safe place, preferably in a marina or at a recognised mooring. Limited space may be available at some locks. Moor against high banks if you can.
Ensure your mooring lines are fastened to secure fixings such as bollards, rings or even trees; put out extra lines for additional security and allow enough slack for a further rise in river levels; don’t rely on your own mooring pins or stakes, they might not hold.
If possible, put extra fendering (eg scaffold poles or strong timber posts) between your boat and the bank side, to prevent your boat drifting onto the river bank and becoming caught up when levels drop.
Make sure you have a safe exit ashore from your boat. If not, you should consider returning home or finding alternative accommodation until conditions improve.
If you are running low on essential supplies or have other safety concerns and are not able to vacate your boat safely, treat this as an emergency and dial 999 to ask for evacuation.
Those in hire boats: if you are advised to stop navigating, you should stop immediately and contact your hire boat operator and follow their instructions.
Please remember your life is more important than your boat.
The Environment Agency are not an emergency service and are not able to carry out search and rescue, or provide supplies to stranded boats.