Thames Barrier closures

13 Oct 2022 / Woolwich (River Thames)/London, United Kingdom

The Thames Flood Barrier will be closed once a month for test purposes, in accordance with a programme issued for a period of six months, commencing 1 November 2022.

Listed below are the times between which the Thames Barrier will be closed to navigation for test purposes. During these periods’ navigation in the Thames Barrier Control Zone, between Margaretness and Blackwall Point, will be restricted and any movements in this area will require permission from London VTS.

PROGRAMME OF CLOSURES
November 2022 – Monday 14 November, 09:35 to 12:05
December 2022 – Wednesday 14 December, 09:50 to 12:20
January 2023 – Thursday 12 January, 09:45 to 12:15
February 2023 – Thursday 13 February, 09:00 to 11:30
March 2023 – Monday 13 March, 09:50 to 12:20
April 2023 – Tuesday 11 April, 10:30 to 13:00

The closures will be confirmed and promulgated by London VTS from 24 hours in advance of the operation by VHF radio on routine river broadcasts.

From the start of each closing procedure until completion of the opening procedure vessels will be prohibited from transiting the Thames Barrier. Most closures are for approximately 2½ hours over the respective low waters.

No vessel is to pass Margaretness inward bound or Blackwall Point outward bound once a Thames Barrier closure has commenced unless authorised by London VTS.

In addition to the full Thames Barrier closures there will be frequent closures of individual gates for maintenance and training purposes, subject to a programme issued by the Environment Agency. The closure of individual gates will change the spans available for navigation.

Information regarding these gate closures will be promulgated by London VTS on VHF Channel 14 routine river broadcasts.

A copy of the six month programme may be obtained by applying in writing to the Environment Agency, Thames Barrier, Eastmoor Street, London SE7 8LX.

During each full Thames Barrier or individual gate closure(s), illuminated red crosses will be displayed on both sides of the gate(s) indicating that the gate(s) are closed to navigation.

(For information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at [email protected])

Source: Port of London Authority Notice To Mariners No.8 of 2022

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