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Lock project awarded on Thames

27th Jul 2006

Four projects to improve and maintain locks on the River Thames were awarded for their engineering excellence on June 23, at the ICE South East England Engineering Excellence Awards 2006.

Godstow Lock in Oxford was highly commended for its £400,000 refurbishment in the Environmental and Historic category. Located on the site of a 12th century nunnery managed by English Heritage, the lock is one of the most narrow on the Thames at just 4.95 metres wide. The unusual site meant all construction work had to be carried out sensitively within a very restricted working area.

Three more lock projects at Boveney, Old Windsor and Penton Hook were highly commended for their economic value in the Small Projects category. The three locks, located within 20 miles of each other, received major bank protection work and new mooring facilities. The close proximity of the locks and the similar design features were carefully planned to help save time and money in moving construction equipment, drawing up designs and carrying out the work.

Paul Power, Environment Agency engineering and technical team leader, said: "Every lock on the River Thames is unique and each time we carry out construction work there are various obstacles we have to overcome. Finding ways of working that are economical, have lasting solutions, a limited effect on the environment and benefit river users is challenging for the project team and it’s great to have been recognised for it!"

The projects awarded were four of 17 lock projects completed during winter 2005/06.

Another 19 locks on the River Thames will get a facelift this winter worth £4.75 million.

Last updated: 22/10/2008