Thames River Undergoing Restrictions and Closures
The River Thames is currently experiencing a mix of temporary closures, restrictions, and conditions that mariners should be aware of when planning their journeys. Here's a summary of the main issues:
Barrier Closures
The Barking Barrier will be closed simultaneously with the Thames Barrier on 2 and 9 August 2025 from approximately 22:45 for maintenance or operational reasons, affecting navigation in that area [1].
Buoy Lay Works
On or about 8 July 2025, contractors carried out operations to lay two mooring buoys near Broadness Creek, requiring vessels to proceed with caution or at slow speed in that vicinity during the works [1].
Dartford Crossing Tunnel Closures
Although not on the river navigation itself, the Dartford west and east tunnels under the Thames have scheduled overnight closures in early August 2025 (including 2 and 3 August), which may impact traffic and transport across the river. There are also height restrictions for vehicles over 4.8m during these closures [2].
Lock and Facility Restrictions
- Teddington Lock has navigation restrictions currently in place [4].
- Some pump-out and water facilities at locks such as Abingdon, Molesey, and Mapledurham have intermittent service issues or are closed for repairs [4].
- Various other lock amenities like toilets or electric charging points at selected locks are reported out of service [4].
River Conditions
As of 7 August 2025, there are no stream warnings or strong currents reported on many reaches of the River Thames upstream from Lechlade to the lower locks, indicating generally safe river conditions for navigation in those reaches [3].
Specific Navigation Areas
- Boulters Lock has gates with restricted width on the pedestal side (Until further notice).
- Canal Bridge, Radcot has been damaged by a vehicle, and boaters should be cautious of falling debris (Until further notice).
- Navigation up Clifton weir stream is not recommended due to a shoal (Until further notice).
- The navigation channel will be on the Desborough Island side of the old river channel at Shepperton during the Sunbury Amateur Regatta (Saturday 9 August 2025 6am to 6pm).
- The navigation channel will be on the Middlesex, right side of the river during the Thames Valley Skiff Club Walton Reach Regatta (Saturday 16 August 2025 9am to 5pm).
- The navigation channel will be on the left, towpath side of the river during the Oxford City Regatta (Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August 2025).
- The navigation channel will be on the right side of the river, near the Danesfield Hotel during the Hurley Regatta (Saturday 16 August 2025).
- A shoal has been reported downstream of Benson Lock (22 June 2024).
- An obstruction exists 50 metres upstream of Botley Bridge, requiring boaters to navigate with extreme caution (Until further notice).
- A sunken narrowboat is causing an obstruction 50 metres upstream of Sheepwash junction route to Isis Lock on Oxford Canal (4 January 2025).
- Shiplake Lock public power is currently unavailable, requiring manual lock winding when a lock keeper is unavailable (28 May 2025).
- A crashed vehicle is forming a navigation hazard on Pinkhill reach (1 May 2025).
- Boaters should take care between The Eyot Centre and a turning buoy opposite Henley Business School during the Go With The Flo Paddleboard Race (Sunday 17 August 2025 9am to 1pm).
- A submerged boat is tied to the left hand bank on Caversham reach, causing a navigation hazard (23 April 2024).
Regatta and Event Navigation
- The navigation channel will be on the left, Wargrave side of the river during the Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta and Swim (Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August 2025).
- The navigation channel will be on the Remenham, left side of the river during the Regatta for the Disabled, Henley (Saturday 30 August 2025 10am to 4pm).
Subscriptions and Updates
Users can subscribe or unsubscribe from closures and restrictions emails, newsletter emails, or both by emailing [email protected] website with 'subscribe' or 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. River users can also plan their winter cruising and boat movements in advance due to the published work program [4].
Safety and Personal Information
Navigating the River Thames requires caution and vigilance. Always follow notices, proceed with caution in work areas, and check for updated river and lock conditions before travel. Personal information will be used in line with the Environment Agency's privacy notice [5].
[1] Environment Agency - River Thames Navigation Updates
[2] Highways England - Dartford Crossing Tunnel Closures
[3] Environment Agency - River Thames Stream Warning
[4] Environment Agency - River Thames Work Program
[5] Environment Agency - Privacy Notice
Sports enthusiasts should note that various areas of the River Thames will be impacted by regatta events in the coming months, such as the Sunbury Amateur Regatta on 9 August 2025, the Thames Valley Skiff Club Walton Reach Regatta on 16 August 2025, and the Wargrave and Shiplake Regatta and Swim on 8 and 9 August 2025. These events will cause temporary changes to the navigation channels in certain areas, so paddlers and rowers should review the River Thames Navigation Updates for more details.
