November update on the Teddington Launch Lock refurbishment project

Over the summer and autumn, the Environment Agency's (EA) project team have continued to reinforce and rebuild key sections of the lock chamber walls.

This included the removal of damaged elements and the construction of several new elements to bring the 100-year-old lock up to modern standards.

The team have also completed the construction of the various mechanical and hydraulic elements which will move and hold the lock gates during operation. This includes hydraulic lines, cables, and pedestals which the lockkeeper will use to operate the lock. 

EA's construction partner, BAM, have also now installed both sets of refurbished lock gates, the head and tail gates. This is a key milestone in the refurbishment. The team will shortly begin the necessary on-site operational tests while completing the smaller remaining elements of the project.

The testing programme will take account of the annual Port of London Authority drawdown, which commenced on 5 November. The team will test the gates to ensure they function correctly. The gates will be tested in wet and dry conditions to assess their full operability. This means the lock chamber will need to be filled and drained several times. Testing will also be carried out on the new mechanical and electrical equipment to make sure everything is working properly.

The refurbishment of the lock’s supporting structures and gate mechanisms has required extremely high levels of precision and accuracy, with tolerances of just ±1mm in many cases. The lock is over 100 years old, and its structure and condition could only be fully assessed once it was dewatered and surveyed.

These surveys revealed differences from historical records, requiring ongoing design adjustments during construction. Prolonged hot and dry weather also affected concrete works because of the impact of heat on concrete strength and the ability to work with concrete in such high temperatures. Unfortunately, these challenges have resulted in some delays. 

The lock is expected to be operational again in early 2027, with works continuing at the site throughout winter 2026/27.

Further updates on the work will be available on the EA's Thames Area Asset page.

If you have any questions about the works, please email the project team on enquiries_thm@environment-agency.gov.uk.