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Notice

Temple Bridge safety works 2025: river restriction notice

Published 13 October 2025

This notice was withdrawn on

This restriction notice is no longer in force.

© Crown copyright 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temple-bridge-safety-works-2025-river-restriction-notice/temple-bridge-safety-works-2025-river-restriction-notice

When

Monday 13 October until Monday 3 November 2025.

Where

Temple Bridge, Temple reach.

Details

The central arch of Temple Bridge is closed to navigation until further notice due to safety concerns. Our contractors have mobilised in the central arch, which is closed for navigation.

Work to remove the central span of the bridge will begin 8am Monday 3 November 2025. Please see Temple Bridge works 2025: river closure notice for more information.

Once works to remove the central arch begin, this river restriction notice will be withdrawn. In the meantime, this river restriction remains in place as follows:

  • navigation under Temple Bridge is via its two side arches.

  • the approximate maximum depth under the side arches is 1.3 metres.

  • we estimate the headway at the central point of each side section of the bridge to be approximately 3 metres, measured from standard head water level. This increases towards the bridge piers and decreases towards the river bank.

  • river levels fluctuate. Therefore, 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.

  • navigation is available underneath both side sections of the bridge and will be used for vessels travelling in both directions. Vessels heading upstream must give way to those heading downstream.

Byelaws

Nothing contained in these directions shall supersede those parts of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 and the UK Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996 as may be relevant. Particular attention should be paid to byelaws 24-42 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993, Steering Sailing and Speed.

And Notice is hereby given, that it is provided by Byelaw 52 of the Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993 that:

The master of any vessel shall except in an emergency not pass any boat-race regatta public procession or gathering for the launch of a vessel or any other event or function which may cause a crowd to assemble on or by the river nor station his vessel thereon in such a manner as would risk obstructing impeding or interfering with such boat-race regatta procession launching event or function or endangering the safety of persons assembling on the river or preventing or interfering with the maintenance of order thereon.

The maximum penalty for breach of the Byelaws is £1,000.

Read our Thames Navigation Licensing and General Byelaws 1993.

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