Iffley Lock and Weir improvements
Updated 11 March 2015
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/river-thames-weir-and-lock-improvements/iffley-lock-and-weir-improvements
Iffley Lock
Following the successful replacement work at Iffley Weir, the Environment Agency are now re-building the Iffley Lock tail lay-by. They are replacing it with a new, sturdier fixed structure.
The new steel piles have been successfully installed and they are now fitting the new walkway. They will also install new fish spawning beds.
The Environment Agency could not work on the lock at the same time as they worked on the weir because of the high volume of boat traffic during the summer months.
They have set up a site compound on the lock island. Therefore, some of the picnic tables are out of action while the work is being done.
The lock is closed to boat traffic while the work is being carried out; this was advertised in the River Thames lock closures, investment programme 2013 to 2014 on 7 August 2013.
Iffley Weir
The work at Iffley Weir is progressing well.
Of the 6 new vertical gates, 4 have been replaced on the weir. Next, the Environment Agency will install the remaining 2 gates. The new gates will improve the seal to the weir. The old gates were installed in the 1960s and didn’t close properly.
The repairs to the permanent footbridge are also progressing well. A quarter of the new European Oak fencing has been installed.
To minimise local disruption, the Environment Agency are working from 7:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
All work is being carried out from the river. They work is carried out in the summer so that the weir is fully functional during the winter months when river flows and flood risk is normally higher.
To ensure the work is carried out safely, the Environment Agency have closed the permanent footbridge immediately upstream of the weir. They have installed a temporary, floating pontoon bridge. This temporary bridge can be accessed via Mill Lane and will allow continued access to Iffley Lock and beyond.
Access from Mill Lane to the temporary bridge is steep. Therefore, it is recommended that wheelchair users and those with limited mobility take a diversion along Donnington Bridge during the closure.
Contact
For more information, email: WTenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk