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The Thames Flood Barrier will be closed once a month for test purposes, in accordance with a programme issued for a period of six months, commencing 1st November 2008.
Listed below are the times between which the barrier will be closed to navigation for test purposes. During these periods navigation in the Barrier Control Zone, between Margaretness and Blackwall Point, will be restricted, any movements in this area being subject to clearance from London VTS.
| Closure No. 307 |
Closure No. 310 |
| Monday 17th November 2008 |
Wednesday 11th February 2009 |
| From 0915 to 1145 GMT |
From 0815 to 1045 GMT |
| N Woolwich LW 1018 GMT 0.7m |
N Woolwich LW 0924 GMT 0.1m |
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| Closure No. 308 |
Closure No. 311 |
| Tuesday 16th December 2008 |
Thursday 12th March 2009 |
| From 0920 to 1150 GMT |
From 0755 to 1025 GMT |
| N Woolwich LW 1019 GMT 0.4m |
N Woolwich LW 0902 GMT 0.2m |
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| Closure No. 309 |
Closure No. 312 |
| Tuesday 13th January 2009 |
Thursday 9th April 2009 |
| From 0825 to 1055 GMT |
From 0745 to 1015 BST |
| N Woolwich LW 0936 GMT 0.3m |
N Woolwich LW 0852 BST 0.4m |
The closures will be confirmed and promulgated by London VTS from 24 hours in advance of the operation by VHF radio on routine river broadcasts.
From the start of each closing procedure until completion of the opening procedure vessels will be prohibited from transiting the barrier. Most closures are for approximately 2½ hours over the respective low waters.
The amber flashing lights on top of the barrier warning notice boards situated at Barking Point below the barrier, and at Blackwall Stairs and Blackwall Point above the barrier will be operated from 30 minutes before each closure. The red flashing lights will be operated from the commencement of the closure until the barrier is reopened for navigation.
No vessel is to pass Margaretness inward bound or Blackwall Point outward bound once a Thames Barrier closure has commenced unless authorised by London VTS.
Gate Closures
In addition to the full barrier closures there will be frequent closures of individual gates for maintenance and training purposes, subject to a programme issued by the Environment Agency, Thames Region. The closure of individual gates will change the spans available for navigation.
Information regarding these gate closures will be promulgated by London VTS on VHF Channel 14 routine river broadcasts.
A copy of the six month programme may be obtained from the Port of London Authority's website www.pla.co.uk/navigation or by applying in writing to the E.A. Area Manager, Thames Barrier, Eastmoor Street, London SE7 8LX.
During each full barrier or individual gate closure(s), illuminated red crosses will be displayed on both sides of the gate(s) indicating that the gate(s) are closed to navigation.
Notes
- Any additional barrier closures for test purposes will be promulgated by separate Notices to mariners issued 28 days in advance of such closures.
- The Barking Barrier will be closed at the same time as the Thames Barrier.
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