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Thames
Barrier
Park
Thames Tidal Defences
The Thames Barrier is a major part of the flood defence system protecting London against rising water levels and tidal surges. The capital's defences also include additional floodgates at strategic points, like the Barking Barrier, and raised river embankments.
The Thames Barrier's unique structure spans the 520 metre-wide Woolwich reach and consists of 10 separate movable gates, each pivoting and supported between concrete piers and abutments which house the operating machinery.
When raised, the four main gates each stand ashigh as a five-storey building and as wide as the opening of Tower Bridge. Each weighs 3700 tonnes.
Holding Back The Waters
The Thames Flood Barrier was built to protect London from floods caused by tidal surges in the North Sea. Opened by HM the Queen in 1984 the barrier took 8 years to build at a cost of £500 million. Its span reaches 1/3rd mile from bank to bank of the river. It is operated by giant hydraulic power packs housed in huge stainless steel shells. These hydraulics raise and lower massive gates which stem the water flow to protect central London from the risk of flooding. When not in use the gates rest on the riverbed. All vessels wishing to pass through the barrier in either direction must radio ahead for permission and instructions about which gate to pass through. Thames Barrier Park provides an excellent vantage point to view the many working vessels that ply their trade on the river.
Thames Barrier Closures
To check the Thames Barrier closure schedule please
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