Official website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-thames-barrier)
Key facts
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Location
- London
- Purpose
- Flood control
- Status
- Operational
- Construction began
- 1974 ; 52 years ago ( 1974 )
- Opening date
- 8 May 1984 ; 42 years ago ( 1984-05-08 )
- Construction cost
- £535 million
- Built by
- Costain Hollandsche Beton Maatschappij Tarmac Construction Tysons, Liverpool Cleveland Bridge & Engineering
- Operator
- Environment Agency
- Type of dam
- Barrage
- Impounds
- River Thames
- Height thalweg
- 20.1 metres
~16 min read
Article
Far view of the River Thames Flood Barrier
The Thames Barrier is a retractable barrier system built to protect the floodplain of most of Greater London from exceptionally high tides and storm surges moving up from the North Sea. It has been operational since 1982. When needed, it is closed (raised) during high tide; at low tide, it can be opened to restore the river's flow towards the sea. Built about 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) east of the Isle of Dogs, its northern bank is in Silvertown in the London Borough of Newham and its southern bank is in the New Charlton area of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
On the map
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Categories
1984 establishments in EnglandBuildings and structures in CharltonBuildings and structures in the London Borough of NewhamCoastal constructionDams completed in 1984Flood barriersFlood control in the United KingdomGeography of the River ThamesInfrastructure in LondonPort of LondonSubscription required using viaTourist attractions in the London Borough of Newham