November update on the Teddington Launch Lock refurbishment project

Construction work is progressing well at Teddington Launch Lock. In recent weeks, the Environment Agency (EA) and its construction partner, Bam Nuttal, have completed ground investigations and have begun installing temporary works in the lock chamber.

This will allow the team to dewater the lock and undertake further investigations prior to beginning repair works.

The EA have started by installing a stop log barrier at the upstream end of the lock which has enabled them to remove the upstream lock gates. The lock gates have been transported down river via barge to the Ham Street Car Park, and taken off site for refurbishment.

Contractors are currently navigating in unusually low tidal river conditions. This means the works can only progress during high tide as the water levels are too low for navigation at low tide.

Following the removal of the upstream lock gates, the team have begun installing propping throughout the lock chamber.

Once the propping has been installed, the downstream gates will be removed for refurbishment and a stop log barrier installed at the downstream end. Further investigations will then be undertaken before the full repair works begin in earnest.

The EA anticipates that the Launch Lock will be open for navigation in Summer 2026.

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.

Use of the Teddington Barge Lock will continue throughout construction to maintain navigation. 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.