Whitchurch Bridge (Lock) Closure for 6 months - October 4th - April 14th

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heron

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This doesn't seem to have been publicised very well but Whitchurch Bridge (Lock) is being closed in 3 weeks for around 6 months, possibly more. This is NOT for EA lock work but for the rebuilding of Whitchurch Bridge which is a privately owned Toll bridge with quite high toll's (40p per crossing). My understanding was this was due to start on October 4th however the lock cut was blocked today for the construction of the temporary footbridge. In addition the weir stream has been blocked for several weeks preventing access to the Pangbourne slipway. I am concerned that the closure is for so long and also that it has not been publicised to boaters. I was out last weekend and talking to several other boat owners most had no idea the closure was for so long and so soon. I can see some boats being stranded the wrong side of the lock, particularly if we have another warm spell and people head off for the last few sunday days of the year.
For anybody interested I am keeping a photographic record of the rebuilding at

www.whitchurchbridge.info
 
Heron thanks for that I knew about the bridge but not the lock closure ,guessing the toll will jump a bit once completed,,,,also likely to overrun if flood conditions in the winter??Steve
 
I reported the Winter works programme back in June which included mention of the Whitchurch works:
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...stment-Programme-2013-14&highlight=whitchurch

This has been on the EA website for some time and there is no suggestion that the navigation will be closed for the whole period:
"Oxfordshire County Council will be carrying out work to Whitchurch Toll Bridge from November 2013 to March 2014. Preparatory and clear-up works will also run from July 2013 to May 2014, which will mean short restrictions to navigation. We will issue further notices as we get more details"
See "River Closures section here:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/recreation/139917.aspx
 
I hope it is not genuinely closed for 6 months, I need my boat lifted for work over the winter and will need to transit Whitchurch. I'm sure the EA must have some obligation to keep it open?
 
The new Walton bridge went in with very few complete closures of the navigation, there is no reason why this should be radically different. Certainly with highway works it is usual to obtain a closure order for the full period of the works but then only close a road completely when absolutely necessary; gets around the admin nightmare if for some reason a closure at short notice is required or when progress of the works is ahead or behind programme. I would speculate and suggest that this is similar.
 
Have been in discussions with Oxfordshire council today suggesting a complete closure is not needed, apparently it is the EA who have insisted on it. I'd be interested on any facts on how Walton Bridge was rebuilt with closures etc. My understanding is ots a complete closure for the winter here.
 
I have researched the information I have available about the Whitchurch road bridge project and its possible impact on navigation.

1. On 8th August this year the EA issued proposed winter works programmes:
Winter Works Programme issued 8/08/2013
http://environment-agency.uk.com/B4H-1QVJ5-3476CX2W8C/cr.aspx
Whitchurch Lock 4 November 2013 to 31 March 2014
Closure of the road bridge downstream of the lock for a re-build
Heron reports that the lock cut (i.e. the navigation) was actually closed on 9th September. I have heard no other reports of this, nor have I received any EA notices.

2. EA Notice issued in February this year:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/SE_RT_Whitchurch_Bridge_closure.pdf
River Thames - River Closure - Mapledurham Reach, between Whitchurch and Mapledurham Locks
November 2013 to March 2014 Whitchurch Toll Bridge Refurbishment
Oxfordshire County Council will be carrying out work to Whitchurch Toll Bridge from November 2013 to March 2014. Preparatory and clear-up works will also run from July 2013 to May 2014, which will mean short restrictions to navigation]/b]. We will issue further notices as we get more details.

This seems to clearly state that the river will be closed to navigation at Whitchurch from November this year until 31st March 2014 but that some restriction to navigation may occur earlier and later than these dates between July this year and May 2014.

i am trying to confirm these details and will report back asap.

Note that there is no advice of Whitchurch Lock itself being closed - not that that is much help if the river is closed at the bridge!
 
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Went through about a hour ago; the lock will be closed 7pm Friday 13th to 6am Saturday 14th (multiple notices at Whitchurch and one at Mapleduram). Relief and another chap he referred the question said there had been no daytime closures this week to their knowledge. Pangebourne meadow most empty I have seen it, three cruisers and three narrowboats. Also believe Marsh on hand winding out of hours and one top sluice not working.
 
Marsh Lock top sluice still not repaired!

We went through there on Thursday 5th September when it had possibly only just occurred. We were next to the top gate with the problem and I could hardly hold the stern in with the force of the water coming through the half closed paddle. What did disappoint me was that neither the lock keeper nor the assistant gave us any warning when we entered the lock that we might have a problem.
 
boatone said:
"November 2013 to March 2014 Whitchurch Toll Bridge Refurbishment
Oxfordshire County Council will be carrying out work to Whitchurch Toll Bridge from November 2013 to March 2014. Preparatory and clear-up works will also run from July 2013 to May 2014, which will mean short restrictions to navigation]/b]. We will issue further notices as we get more details."

This seems to clearly state that the river will be closed to navigation at Whitchurch from November this year until 31st March 2014 but that some restriction to navigation may occur earlier and later than these dates between July this year and May 2014.

i am trying to confirm these details and will report back asap.
Click to expand...


I have now received confirmation that the position is as per the bold paragraph above. An updated notice will be issued shortly.
 
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