River Thames Navigation and Assets

There has been an update to our Temple Footbridge page, including updates following our recent Public Information Event, including posters from the event and an online feedback form.

To access the above and for latest information CLICK HERE

Temple footbridge, which crosses the River Thames upstream of Temple lock near Marlow, was created in 1989 partially using community funding. It was constructed from tropical hardwood and had an approximate design life of 30 years.

Keeping the public safe is one of our highest priorities and we (Environment Agency) closed Temple Footbridge on 15 May 2023 due to numerous structural and safety concerns. We know the bridge is important to both local people and visitors using the Thames Path, and we are treating this matter as a priority.

The Environment Agency is planning a significant programme of investment across River Thames locks between November 2026 and March 2027.

The programme will deliver essential works to help maintain the condition, safety and resilience of our lock infrastructure and will require the temporary closure of a number of locks to navigation while works are undertaken.

We are working to maximise the investment that can be delivered through our existing contractor framework, coordinating works wherever possible to make the best use of available resources and funding.

For full information on lock closures, dates and areas affected, as well as planned future works, CLICK HERE

There is a new page for the Old Windsor Lock Overflow Channel Wall, including details on condition and funding.

For latest information CLICK HERE

We have carried out surveys which show that the wall needs repair. We are aware of local concerns and understand the importance of maintaining assets that help manage the effects of flooding.

We submitted a funding bid to carry out refurbishment works but were unsuccessful on this occasion. While the current funding approach provides more opportunities for refurbishment projects than in the past, it is a very competitive process as there are more eligible projects than funding available. As a result, investment must be prioritised to ensure it delivers the greatest benefit to people and communities at risk of flooding.

We will continue to apply for funding to repair the wall. We will also continue to monitor the condition of the structure and review its status alongside other priorities across the Thames area.

We have begun the preparation work needed for the refurbishment of the Old Windsor lock complex. Unfortunately, it is not possible to repair the wall as part of these works.

There has been an update to our Penton Hook Island Closure page.

For latest information CLICK HERE

Penton Hook Island is unfortunately closed to the public because widespread tree safety issues, mainly linked to Ash Dieback disease, create an unacceptable risk of falling branches and tree failure. Our surveys and subsequent assessments found that a significant proportion of the island's tree stock presents this risk.

The island contains approximately 300 mature trees and we recognise how important it is to the local community, especially given the numerous informal memorial trees and benches, making the closure particularly sensitive for the local community.

There has been an update to our Temple Footbridge page, including details on a Public Information Event.

For latest information CLICK HERE

Temple footbridge, which crosses the River Thames upstream of Temple lock near Marlow, was created in 1989 partially using community funding. It was constructed from tropical hardwood and had an approximate design life of 30 years.

Keeping the public safe is one of our highest priorities and we (Environment Agency) closed Temple Footbridge on 15 May 2023 due to numerous structural and safety concerns. We know the bridge is important to both local people and visitors using the Thames Path, and we are treating this matter as a priority.

There has been an update to our Penton Hook Island Closure page.

For latest information CLICK HERE

Penton Hook Island has been closed to public access since February 2025 following the identification of widespread tree safety issues, principally associated with Ash Dieback disease. Surveys and subsequent assessments concluded that a significant proportion of the island's tree stock presents an unacceptable risk of falling branches and tree failure. The island contains approximately 300 mature trees and has become an important local amenity and location for numerous informal memorial trees and benches, making the issue particularly sensitive for the local community.