Temple Bridge safety works 2024: river restriction notice
Published 21 November 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temple-bridge-safety-works-2024-river-restriction-notice/temple-bridge-safety-works-2024-river-restriction-notice
When
Thursday 21 November 2024 until further notice
Where
Temple reach, Temple Bridge
Details
The central arch of Temple Bridge is closed to navigation until further notice due to safety concerns. The Environment Agency will install a boom to prevent access and then remove the central arch. This work is delayed due to river conditions and contractor availability. The Environment Agency cannot currently give an estimated completion date, but will do so as soon as possible.
Once the central arch is removed, this river restriction notice will be withdrawn. In the meantime, and with immediate effect:
Navigation under Temple Bridge will be through the two side arches.
The approximate maximum depth under the side arches is 1.3m.
The Environment Agency estimates headway at the central point of each side section of the bridge to be approximately 3 metres, measured from standard head water level and increasing or decreasing on either side of this point due to the shape of the arch.
River levels fluctuate. The depth and headway measurements given above will change with the river conditions
You must navigate with extreme caution if attempting to pass under either of the side sections, and do so at your own risk. You are responsible for ensuring your vessel can pass safely and should not attempt to do so if you are in any doubt. The Environment Agency will not be liable for any damage caused or other consequential costs.
Either arch can be used for vessels navigating in both directions, but vessels heading upstream must give way to those heading downstream.
Byelaws
It is an offence to fail to conform with the directions in this notice or to obstruct an officer of the Environment Agency in the execution of their duty or to fail to obey directions given regarding the navigation, mooring or unmooring of any boat.
This notice does not supersede any parts of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 and the UK Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996. You should pay particular attention to byelaws 24 to 42 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 about steering, sailing and speed.
The maximum penalty for breach of the byelaws is £1,000.
You can find the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 on GOV.UK.