Major work at Teddington Lock
Teddington Barge Lock, the largest on the Thames is currently undergoing major works as part of a wider programme of £3m of improvements this year by the Environment Agency.
At almost 200 metres long and holding 18 million litres of water, refurbishing the lock chamber walls and rubbing timbers is a major engineering project. More than £600,000 will be spent on installing new vertical timber fenders, which act as the framework for the lock. During the work the lock will be partially drained to give the team access to the chamber walls, which have to be braced so they don’t collapse inwards after the water is removed.
The facelift is being undertaken during winter because the river traffic is much lower at this time of the year. Photos: Sunshine Soon.
In addition to this work, the annual ‘draw-off’ is currently taking place where the Thames is allowed to drain naturally between Teddington and Richmond so that riverbed and locks can be inspected. The Environment Trust has organised a walk along the stretch between Richmond and Teddington on the 23rd November (Saturday) if you fancy putting your wellies to good use! Email office@environmenttrust.co.uk if you wish to attend.
