05/01/2006 - After nine months of hard work, the Environment Agency has completed its assessment of the current condition of the Thames Barrier – with excellent results demonstrating the resilience of the Thames Barrier and superior performance of its components. The survey of each of the Thames Barrier’s piers, gates, and the associated defences at other locations on the River Thames had been planned for a number of years. The results will inform the Environment Agency’s Thames Estuary 2100 project – which will ensure the continued performance of the Thames Barrier for the next 100 years.

In order to complete all of this work to the highest possible standard the Environment Agency employed a number of contractors and consultants, including Metalock, Halcrow, Atkins, Volker Stevin, and High-Point Rendel, the original designers of the Thames Barrier.

Working together the Environment Agency and its contractors have used the latest technology, including robots, 3D infra-red imaging, electro-magnetic and ultra sound measuring equipment to perform a range of tests on the Thames Barrier. This included assessing the current condition of each of the barrier gates, both inside and out, and testing the thickness and adhesion of the current protective coatings.

These tests revealed that despite 21 years immersed in the River Thames, the protective paint coating on the gates is still in very good condition. There is very little wear and tear on key components of the structure – indicating that the Thames Barrier is extremely robust.

The information gathered during the survey will now be used in the next stage of the project – which will determine the best maintenance plan in order to keep the Thames Barrier in full working order in the future.

Thames tidal flood risk manager, Andy Batchelor said:

“There have been some very complicated and technical work conducted over the past nine months, and we have been very impressed by the performance of all our contractors. London currently benefits from one of the best levels of flood protection in the world – however, climate change and rising sea levels mean that this level of protection will gradually decrease. This project will help to ensure that the Thames Barrier continues to provide an excellent level of protection.

“However, living in the flood plain is never without risk and I urge Londoners to also consider the steps that they can also take to protect themselves from flooding. Information on how to do this can be found at our website – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.”