River Closure at Whitchurch - Further Information

[boatone]

Just received the following from the EA:

A river closure notice at Whitchurch has been issued to allow for essential works to be carried out on the bridge. We have stipulated that the works be undertaken during the quieter winter months and not during the busier summer boating season. Due to the scale of works, the river closure will be in place for several months, ending before the Easter weekend. We sincerely apologise for the disruption inevitably caused by this, however given the very tight construction deadlines, the work must take priority to meet the Easter deadline.

Transit through the lock should be possible during the closure period, but will strictly be dependent on natural breaks in the works. We have regular communications with Oxfordshire Council to identify opportunities to allow passage. Boaters wishing to transit Whitchurch lock during the works can put their request forward to our email account: waterways_west@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 03708 506 506, asking to speak to their local waterways office. When a transit window becomes available, we will contact boaters expressing an interest to arrange a time slot to pass though the lock. If passage becomes available for a longer period, we will open the lock and publish the dates on our website, investment program and information hotline 08459 881 188.

 

[matt_lake]

Just received the following from the EA:

Am I right in assuming this only comes into force on the 4th November, as quoted by the EA?

 

[boatone]

As far as I am aware, the actual notice of closure is unchanged:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/139917.aspx

 

[boatone]

Snippets on Radio Berkshire this morning that Whitchurch Bridge works running "several weeks " behind - Henley Standard report:
http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=1402634

The Environment Agency, which controls the Thames, says the piles must be installed by March 31 so the river is navigable. If this does not happen, the work might have to stop for six months to avoid obstructing leisure boats over the summer.

Mr Weir said he was confident this phase would be completed by then and once the supports were in place, there might be ways of speeding up the remaining work.One idea is to change the design of the concrete deck so that it can be poured more easily.

 

[sturmvogel190a]

Had a look today and spoke to some of the workmen who said they were on stop till the reds come down, they said there is a meeting in 10 days with the EA to decide about boat navigation for the coming season as it will not be finished by the April date unless weather and productivity improve quick

 

[apollo]

Had a look today and spoke to some of the workmen who said they were on stop till the reds come down, they said there is a meeting in 10 days with the EA to decide about boat navigation for the coming season as it will not be finished by the April date unless weather and productivity improve quick

Well if we can only get to half the river do we get a 50% rebate? ha ha ha

 

[sturmvogel190a]

 

[Mark M]

Just seen the update regarding the bridge re opening, seems the opening has been delayed from April to July, see link below

http://www.whitchurchbridge.com/

Good news it is still meant to open for river traffic of 31st March according to the link below, just feel sorry for the villagers road transport/business

http://www.whitchurchbridge.com/php/gbook.php

Fingers crossed that date dosent change!!!!

 

[boatone]

Following received from EA today:

Please note that the navigation channel will be open for river traffic from 31 March as originally planned.
However, we may grant further short, time limited closure notices overnight during the first 2 weeks in April to help them catch up.
These are yet to be determined. We will keep you updated when we have more information.

 

[Glorfindel]

We assume that the river will no longer be red by that date - in Somerset we are not that sure about our waterways