Chertsey Lock

[Skiron]

Does anyone have any current information on the closure of Chertsey Lock from Sep 24 2023? Trying to get any information from the EA is hopeless. My boat is currently at Shepperton and I need to get to my mooring in Abingdon. If the lock isn't fixed in the next couple of weeks then we may well be trapped by the planned winter closures (October-March) of 5 locks in this stretch. I will need to decide what to do in the next week or so and plan accordingly. Help!

 

[Gibeltarik]

Does anyone have any current information on the closure of Chertsey Lock from Sep 24 2023? Trying to get any information from the EA is hopeless. My boat is currently at Shepperton and I need to get to my mooring in Abingdon. If the lock isn't fixed in the next couple of weeks then we may well be trapped by the planned winter closures (October-March) of 5 locks in this stretch. I will need to decide what to do in the next week or so and plan accordingly. Help!

Hello Skiron,

The 5 lock closures listed for 6 months each are purely place markers. They will be worked on during that period but for much shorter periods as the work is mainly on the hydraulic controls.
Historically work does not usually start until the New Year................
There is a users meeting next week and I am sure this will be raised there.

 

[Skiron]

Thanks Gibeltarik for your response. Do you have any details of the users meeting and can anyone attend? I presume the locks remain open if they are not actually being worked on although it only takes one out if action to block my passage.

 

[Chris_d]

This one is different it closed last night for repairs, no update on finish date yet.

Email from EA:

Dear river user,

Chertsey Lock tail gate (non-lock office side) has significant movement in its anchor plate, raising concerns that the gate will become loose.

We will therefore close Chertsey Lock as of 6pm on Sunday 24 September 2023 until further notice so that contractors can undertake repairs.

At this present moment, it is unclear when repairs will be completed, and all options are being considered.

Please note there will be no passage through Chertsey Lock after 6pm on Sunday 24 September. We encourage all river users to please make sure all necessary boat movements are made prior to this.

In the meantime, Chertsey Lock will remain on Lock Keeper power only. As such, there will no passage through the lock outside of Lock Keeper service hours.

We will update our River Thames restrictions and closures page on GOV.UK with further information when possible. Please visit the link below. You can also subscribe to get updates from this webpage by selecting the ‘Get emails about this page’ button at the top of the page.

River Thames: restrictions and closures

We apologise for any inconvenience caused because of this closure and thank all river users for their patience.

Kind regards

Mark Hill
Harbour Master
22 September 2023

 

[DrakesH]

Had a chat with the lockie on Sunday - he was expecting it to be closed for a minimum of two weeks, but a high chance that it could be much longer

 

[joejo]

Just got this via e mail which may be of help

Change made:
Update to Chertsey Lock breakdown. Chertsey Lock will open between 9am and 6pm on 5 October 2023 and 6 October 2023 for emergency access only. Please see notice for more information on how to register interest in emergency access.

Time updated:
1:59pm, 26 September 2023

 

[joejo]

Just got another e mail with contact details

We will be opening Chertsey Lock between 9am and 6pm on 5 October 2023 and 6 October 2023 for emergency access only. During this time, the lock will be operated with Lock Keeper assisted passage only. There will be no public power operation allowed.



If we determine that the risks to river users have increased prior to, or during these dates, we will close the lock fully and no further passage will be possible.



Our asset management teams are working with our suppliers to programme the necessary refurbishment of the lock gate anchoring system and we will provide a further update as this progresses.



If you would like to register your interest in passing through Chertsey Lock between 5 and 6 October 2023, please write to WaterwaysThames@environment-agency.gov.uk.

 

[Skiron]

Thanks to all those who responded much appreciated.

 

[Mark26]

Any news about Chertsey Lock? It’s still showing as being closed on the EAs website, it’s been 5 months now.

 

[Chris_d]

Can't find the link, but the latest from the ATYC was that a contractor has been appointed and work is starting, should be completed by the end of March if not sooner.

 

[Mark26]

Thanks

 

[Gibeltarik]

The ATYC announcement did not reference anyone from EA.

I have contacted Peter Collins - the EA manager responsible for the repairs -

His response was:
Following the initial closure of the lock and commissioning of an emergency works contractor, we began to detail the scope of works required to fully understand why the breakdown had occurred and also the extent of any required refurbishment works. Our project team have also been developing the necessary actions, prior to mobilising to site, which included a temporary dam design to enable the lock to be dewatered. Unfortunately, due to the competing priorities across our supply chain and the impact of the recent storms, we have not been able to mobilise to site and commence the works that we initially intended to complete prior to Easter 2024. I have therefore reduced the scope of the emergency works to focus solely on the anchor plate and its securing bolts, to enable our customers to re-use the lock at the earliest opportunity.

Our main contractor has engaged a specialist supplier to strengthen the elements that have failed, and I have requested a revised completion date from them. As soon as this information is available, I will share it with our customers.

EA Thames do have their hands tied as they have to use the National Contractors - who are just a little busy with other flood related issues this winter - but there does seem to be a plan to bring Chertsey back into service soon.

 

[Mark26]

Thank you

 

[Scapegoat]

 

[Mark26]

That’s good news. All we need now is for the rain to stop

 

[Chris_d]

Good news, but its been closed for months and its only going to take a day to fix it!

 

[Barge]

Good news, but its been closed for months and its only going to take a day to fix it!

Now we must be fair...it has been closed for months and will take TWO days to fix.

 

[Scapegoat]

Chertsey Lock Update 1 March 2024 from EA

Good afternoon,
I am happy to be able to update you that our specialist contractor has now completed their work to repair the broken elements at Chertsey Lock. This has included the anchor plates and bolts on the left bank (looking downstream) lock gates.
My colleagues and I are grateful to all our customers for their continued patience while the lock has been closed, and it will return to full operational use on Saturday 2 March 2024. Please note, the River Thames remains on Red Boards due to the ongoing high flows. When these red boards are displayed, we advise users of all boats not to navigate. The strong flows make it difficult and dangerous.
We continue to plan asset refurbishment works across our non-tidal Thames Navigation and will keep you informed on our restrictions and closures page as these progress.
Please do not hesitate to contact me atenquiries_thm@environment-agency.gov.uk if you have any queries.

 

[oldgit]

Chertsey Lock Update 1 March 2024 from EA

Good afternoon,
I am happy to be able to update you that our specialist contractor has now completed their work to repair the broken elements at Chertsey Lock. This has included the anchor plates and bolts on the left bank (looking downstream) lock gates.
My colleagues and I are grateful to all our customers for their continued patience while the lock has been closed, and it will return to full operational use on Saturday 2 March 2024. Please note, the River Thames remains on Red Boards due to the ongoing high flows. When these red boards are displayed, we advise users of all boats not to navigate. The strong flows make it difficult and dangerous.
We continue to plan asset refurbishment works across our non-tidal Thames Navigation and will keep you informed on our restrictions and closures page as these progress.
Please do not hesitate to contact me atenquiries_thm@environment-agency.gov.uk if you have any queries.