Thames Barrier
Operational since 1982 and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984, the Thames Barrier is the second largest flood barrier in the world. Run and maintained by The Environment Agency, the Barrier is capable of protecting areas of London from a once in a 1000 year surge tide. This is caused by combinations of storm surges from the North Sea, high spring tides and high winds. It is said that the barrier helps to protect up to 48 square miles of London.
The site in Charlton stretches across a 520 meter part of the river from the London Borough of Newham on the North side to Greenwich on the South. The site was chosen due to the straightness of the banks at the time and the chalk on the river bed being strong enough to support the huge structure. The main four gates weigh over 3,000 tons each! The Barrier was originally designed to last until the 2030’s, however due to ongoing maintenance its lifespan is expected to carry on until the 2070’s. In 1997 a 3,000 tonne dredger hit the Thames Barrier, sadly the ship sank. The barrier only lost a ladder, proving its durability.
As we all know, British weather is ever changing, so information is sent through the Barrier control room on a minute by minute basis. This information comes from satellites, oil rigs, ships, coastal stations and of course the Met Office. Since first operating in 1982, the Thames Barrier has been closed 200 times due to tidal flooding. This information is correct as of October 2021.
The barrier consists of 10 rotating gates. When raised these gates stand as tall as a 5-storey building and as wide as the opening of Tower Bridge. When closed the gates rest on the river bed, allowing the natural flow of the tide and any river traffic to pass through. Each gate can be opened and closed individually in approximately 10 minutes. Whilst a full closure takes 1.5 hours. Once closed, the river can be almost 4 metres higher on one side of the barrier.
Next to the Thames Barrier on the Greenwich side you’ll find the Thames Barrier Information Centre. Amongst historical information and exhibitions you’ll also be able to find a working scale model. Throughout the year the Barrier is closed for testing and maintenance and from the visitor centre you can get a great view of this process.
