February update on the Teddington Launch Lock refurbishment project

The Environment Agency (EA) refurbishment project at Teddington Lock is continuing to progress well. Last year, the team completed ground investigations at site, removed the upstream lock gates for refurbishment, established a temporary ‘stop-log’ barrier in place of the upstream gates, and installed propping throughout the lock chamber.

In early January 2026, work recommenced with the removal of the downstream lock gates and the instillation of a second stop-log barrier in their place. The establishment of stop log barriers and propping in the chamber, has enabled the project to dewater the lock. With the lock dewatered, engineers have been able to access the full extent of the lock chamber to complete further assessments of the lock's condition, and begin refurbishment works.

Over the coming months, the project team will continue the repair works to strengthen the lock walls and chamber. Off site, the gates will undergo refurbishments to ensure they are ready for reinstallation and use in the lock later this year.

Please note, the Thames path at Teddington Lock and Ham Street car park will be diverted for short periods of time throughout the works and will be clearly marked on site.

Teddington Barge Lock will continue to be the primary lock for Navigation customers throughout Launch Lock’s re-construction. Once the Launch Lock is returned to operational service, it will become the primary lock for Navigation.

The EA anticipates the project will be on site for approximately one year, with the lock likely to reopen in late Summer 2026. The project will deliver improvements that enhance the safety, functionality, and resilience of Teddington Lock.

Further updates on the work will be available on the EA's Thames Area Asset page.

If you have any questions about the works, please email the project team on enquiries_thm@environment-agency.gov.uk.