normskib
Well-Known Member
Just heard Sunbury Lock has closed to all traffic due to a problem with the gates awaiting updates from EA .
Sunbury lock closed
- Thread starter normskib
- Start date
boatone
Well-Known Member
Its been closed since Monday due to a broken collar. Understand the old lock is being used to keep traffic moving.
TrueBlue
Well-Known Member
You would think that mebe EA might have mentioned that the old barge lock was available as an alternative for many/most boats?
Chris_d
Well-Known Member
Had they said it was closed though?
ianc1200
Well-Known Member
How many broken collars have they had this season?
Instead of tweeting about plastic rubbish collection etc it would nice to see them boast how many lock gate collars they've replaced as preventative maintenance.
Instead of tweeting about plastic rubbish collection etc it would nice to see them boast how many lock gate collars they've replaced as preventative maintenance.
boatone
Well-Known Member
My apologies. It would appear that I was given duff info. The old lock was used yesterday morning to clear waiting traffic but it would appear that it has now been decreed that it cannot be used - I know not why.
oldgit
Well-Known Member
Manual operation perhaps ?
Time Out
Well-Known Member
Elf and safety no doubt, they may fall in walking those thin gates. Saftey harness next in order to operate 
I'm not joking...
I'm not joking...
boatone
Well-Known Member
Latest info re Sunbury Lock:
“Sunbury Lock has an Emergency Closure for repair work to the Headgates and passage is not currently possible. Our operational teams and specialist contractors are undertaking the necessary assessments to support the fabrication and installation of replacement lock elements. We are reviewing a safe system of work to consider the potential operation of the beam lock, under lock keeper supervision only and for those users who require urgent transit only. If this is implemented it will be for a limited time each day and we will communicate this information via our Harbour Master’s notifications.”
I have been in direct contact with the river managers since early this morning but this statement,which has just been posted on the River Conditions web page, is as far as I’ve got !
“Sunbury Lock has an Emergency Closure for repair work to the Headgates and passage is not currently possible. Our operational teams and specialist contractors are undertaking the necessary assessments to support the fabrication and installation of replacement lock elements. We are reviewing a safe system of work to consider the potential operation of the beam lock, under lock keeper supervision only and for those users who require urgent transit only. If this is implemented it will be for a limited time each day and we will communicate this information via our Harbour Master’s notifications.”
I have been in direct contact with the river managers since early this morning but this statement,which has just been posted on the River Conditions web page, is as far as I’ve got !
Outinthedinghy
Well-Known Member
The HSE is very twitchy about locks following the Shepperton tree felling fatality.
I was told by a lock keeper that they (HSE) are "looking at everything" so not surprised if the beam lock at Sunbury is deemed unsafe.
I was told by a lock keeper that they (HSE) are "looking at everything" so not surprised if the beam lock at Sunbury is deemed unsafe.
Time Out
Well-Known Member
I remember it as a kid winding it for my Dad and his mates who had probably been at the ale!
It does become a bit of nonsense though if a lock keeper cannot operate a lock regardless of how old it is. My assumption is it still works?
It does become a bit of nonsense though if a lock keeper cannot operate a lock regardless of how old it is. My assumption is it still works?
Boater On Thames
Well-Known Member
I just walk past by the lock a few minutes ago. Saw the EA people working on it. Both new and old locks are not in use.
boatone
Well-Known Member
EA information re Sunbury Lock just posted on River Conditions webpage:-
“Sunbury Hydraulic Lock Emergency Closure remains in place following the testing of the new collar strap that was fitted on 8 October 2021. Operational staff have advised that the lock gate is not operating safely with the new collar strap fitted and further, more detailed, investigations are required to determine the cause of this issue. It is not possible at this stage to state when the hydraulic lock will be re-opened, but Environment Agency staff will be working with specialist contractors to complete the required assessments and put measures in place to undertake any necessary repair work. Sunbury Beam Lock is currently closed to river traffic due to operational safety concerns. Environment Agency staff have been developing a safe working method to enable the beam lock to be used while the hydraulic lock is not operational. A final assessment of the beam lock operation will take place on the morning of Saturday 9 October 2021. Following this assessment, instructions will be given to river users whether the beam lock can be used. Any operation of the beam lock (if permitted) will be by trained Environment Agency staff only and for periods that will be defined in subsequent updates. We apologise for any inconvenience the continued disruption is causing and thank our customers for their ongoing patience.”
“Sunbury Hydraulic Lock Emergency Closure remains in place following the testing of the new collar strap that was fitted on 8 October 2021. Operational staff have advised that the lock gate is not operating safely with the new collar strap fitted and further, more detailed, investigations are required to determine the cause of this issue. It is not possible at this stage to state when the hydraulic lock will be re-opened, but Environment Agency staff will be working with specialist contractors to complete the required assessments and put measures in place to undertake any necessary repair work. Sunbury Beam Lock is currently closed to river traffic due to operational safety concerns. Environment Agency staff have been developing a safe working method to enable the beam lock to be used while the hydraulic lock is not operational. A final assessment of the beam lock operation will take place on the morning of Saturday 9 October 2021. Following this assessment, instructions will be given to river users whether the beam lock can be used. Any operation of the beam lock (if permitted) will be by trained Environment Agency staff only and for periods that will be defined in subsequent updates. We apologise for any inconvenience the continued disruption is causing and thank our customers for their ongoing patience.”
miket
Well-Known Member
Amazing!
oK for us totally untrained boat owners to operate all locks when the keeper is not available (more often than not) but the EA keeper has to be trained to operate a lock system that could be operated by any self respecting 5 year old. Why should we be surprised.
oK for us totally untrained boat owners to operate all locks when the keeper is not available (more often than not) but the EA keeper has to be trained to operate a lock system that could be operated by any self respecting 5 year old. Why should we be surprised.
TrueBlue
Well-Known Member
You mebe forget that the lockies have full control of the gate and sluice controls, whereas us lesser mortals - under suffrence- can only initiate a very conservative version of the system....
normskib
Well-Known Member
Sunbury Lock now open between the hours of 10 am /4pm
boatone
Well-Known Member
boatone
Well-Known Member
Current EA Information re Sunbury Lock:
Sunbury Beam Lock will be re-opened for assisted passage on Wednesday 13 October 2021 between 10am – 4pm and will be operated by Environment Agency staff only.
River users will be able to travel downstream on every whole hour.
River users will be able to travel upstream on every half hour.
The last lock will be for customers heading upstream at 3:30pm.
Priority will be given to river users with an urgent need to pass through the lock and we ask that no one plans a journey unless it is urgent.
The lock will be closed for short periods throughout the day (13 October 2021) to enable operational staff to have breaks and to make ongoing assessments of the lock.
Sunbury Beam Lock will be closed for use after 4pm on 13 October 2021.
Sunbury Beam Lock will be closed on 14 October 2021 and 15 October 2021.
Sunbury Beam Lock will be re-opened for assisted passage on Saturday 16 October 2021 and Sunday 17 October 2021 between 10am and 4pm, with the same operating procedure as 13 October 2021.
Further updates will be made on 15 October 2021 to inform river users of the operating times / procedures for week commencing 18 October 2021.
Sunbury Hydraulic Lock collar strap replacement is being progressed by Environment Agency staff and specialist contractors. The lock will continue to be closed for the remainder of week commencing 11 October 2021. Further updates regarding the closure of the lock during week commencing 18 October 2021 will be made on 15 October 2021. We are grateful for all our customers’ support during this disruption.
Watch for updates here: River Thames Conditions
Sunbury Beam Lock will be re-opened for assisted passage on Wednesday 13 October 2021 between 10am – 4pm and will be operated by Environment Agency staff only.
River users will be able to travel downstream on every whole hour.
River users will be able to travel upstream on every half hour.
The last lock will be for customers heading upstream at 3:30pm.
Priority will be given to river users with an urgent need to pass through the lock and we ask that no one plans a journey unless it is urgent.
The lock will be closed for short periods throughout the day (13 October 2021) to enable operational staff to have breaks and to make ongoing assessments of the lock.
Sunbury Beam Lock will be closed for use after 4pm on 13 October 2021.
Sunbury Beam Lock will be closed on 14 October 2021 and 15 October 2021.
Sunbury Beam Lock will be re-opened for assisted passage on Saturday 16 October 2021 and Sunday 17 October 2021 between 10am and 4pm, with the same operating procedure as 13 October 2021.
Further updates will be made on 15 October 2021 to inform river users of the operating times / procedures for week commencing 18 October 2021.
Sunbury Hydraulic Lock collar strap replacement is being progressed by Environment Agency staff and specialist contractors. The lock will continue to be closed for the remainder of week commencing 11 October 2021. Further updates regarding the closure of the lock during week commencing 18 October 2021 will be made on 15 October 2021. We are grateful for all our customers’ support during this disruption.
Watch for updates here: River Thames Conditions