River Thames: restrictions and closures

Navigation on the River Thames may be restricted or closed in certain areas. Find out where and when these restrictions and closures are.

Before boating on the River Thames, you should check the current river conditions.

For guidance on Environment Agency moorings, locks and their facilities, you should visit locks and facilities.

Navigation issues: updated 19 September 2026

River closures: updated 13 September 2026

River restrictions: updated 17 September 2026

Planned lock closures: updated 1 April 2026

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 10 weeks in advance of the first planned lock closure. 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. To stay updated with any changes to the programme, please subscribe to updates by selecting ‘get emails about this page’.

To receive the first issue of the programme via email, including a list of other major works, subscribe to our email subscriber list. To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this service, email [email protected] with ‘subscribe’ or ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line.

We will use your personal information in line with our privacy notice.

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River Thames: Restrictions and closures updated for Saturday 19 September 2026. A fallen tree is restricting the upstream Culham lock cut. Reduced channel width and submerged branches present a hazard to navigation. Proceed with caution.