Thames Barrier

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The Thames Barrier is a retractable barrier system built to protect the floodplain of most of Greater London from exceptionally high tides and storm surges moving up from the North Sea. It has been operational since 1982. When needed, it is closed (raised) during high tide; at low tide, it can be opened to restore the river's flow towards the sea. Built about 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) east of the Isle of Dogs, its northern bank is in Silvertown in the London Borough of Newham and its southern bank is in the New Charlton area of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

How the Thames Barrier works, and when it is scheduled to close.

Forthcoming scheduled closures Planned tests of the Thames Barrier 2023 to 2024.

The Barrier is operated once a month for maintenance and test purposes.

Details of the next planned closures are listed below: 

• 2 November 2023 Thursday 9:15 - 11:45 (cancelled) 
• 4 December 2023 Monday 10:30 - 13:00  
• 15 January 2024 Monday 9:50 - 12:20 
• 13 February 2024 Tuesday 9:35 - 12:05 
• 14 March 2024 Thursday 9:40 - 12:10
• 11 April 2024 Thursday 9:40 - 12:10