Please find attached three Environment Agency Harbourmaster's notices.
When: Wednesday 26 November 2014 07:30 to 12:00
Where: Marlow Lock
What’s happening: Investigation of the hydraulic cylinders
In order to minimise the length of the planned full closure in early 2015, our contractors need to carry out investigative works to the hydraulic cylinders on the lock gates. To allow us to do this, between 07:30 and 12:00 Wednesday 26 November 2014 boat passage will not be possible through the Marlow Lock.
Note: This work will only take place if the red strong stream warning boards currently on display at Marlow have been removed. If the red strong stream warning boards are still on display on Wednesday 26 November this work will be rescheduled and we will issue a further notice advising of the rescheduled date.
We apologise for any inconvenience this short period closure causes and thank you for your patience during this time.
When: November 2014 to February 2015
Where: Reading Bridge, immediately upstream of Caversham Lock
What’s happening: Reading Bridge Strengthening Works
Strengthening works are being carried out to Reading Bridge during the above period. This will incorporate the building of a fully sealed purpose built access scaffold around the bridge.
The scaffolding will encapsulate the entire span in three separate stages. At certain stages this will lower the headroom by 810mm to 4.57 metres, this is the same height as Caversham Bridge, the next bridge upstream. A navigation channel will be maintained throughout the three stages but the width of the navigable channel will be reduced. The minimum width will be 7.5 metres.
River users are reminded that Headways are measured above standard head water level of the lock below. Allowance must therefore be made for the gradient of the river at any given time because this will reduce, to a varying extent, the figures above.
Masters of all vessels are reminded to give way to traffic coming downstream through the bridge.
Please follow directional signage, follow any directions given by the safety boat and/or officers of the Environment Agency and navigate slowly and with caution in the area of these works.
When: Novemeber 2014 to July 2015
Where: Between Reading Bridge and the downstream end of Fry’s Island
What’s happening: Construction of the new Reading Cycle and Footbridge
A new cycle and footbridge is being constructed over the River Thames between Reading Bridge and the downstream end of Fry’s Island from November 2014 to July 2015. The bridge will be a cable stayed bridge with a 39 metre mast on the Northern, Christchurch Meadow bank. The bridge will land on the Southern bank adjacent to the Southern and Scottish Energy premises.
Works are required to the Southern bank to widen the public footpath and construct the landings for the steps and ramp. The width of the river will be reduced whilst floating plant such as the piling platform and barges are used to carry out these works. The navigation will remain open and will either be redirected along the North side of Fry’s Island or through a restricted channel on the South side past the work equipment. Access to Fry’s Island and the services located there will be possible throughout the works.
The new bridge will have a headroom of 4.57 metres over the centre of both navigation channels. This is the same headroom as the next bridge upstream, Caversham Bridge. River users are reminded that headways are measured above standard head water level of the lock below. Allowance must therefore be made for the gradient of the river at any given time because this will reduce, to a varying extent, the figures above.
Short period closures will be required for the lifting in of the new bridge deck. These will take place in 2015 and we will issue a further Harbourmaster’s notice to advise of these as soon as possible.
Please follow directional signage, follow any directions given by the safety boat and/or officers of the Environment Agency and navigate slowly and with caution in the area of these works.
