Thames Barrier, Flood barrier in Woolwich, United Kingdom
Description
The Thames Barrier sits across the river at Woolwich and consists of ten silvery steel structures that rise like large domes from the water. The gates normally lie flat on the riverbed and allow ship traffic to pass without obstruction.
History
After the great North Sea flood of 1953, the government decided to protect London from flooding. The construction project took eight years and was completed in 1984.
Culture
The barrier shows how London manages its tidal river and builds large infrastructure to keep the city safe from flooding. Visitors can see how engineering becomes part of everyday river life and shapes the waterfront.
Practical
The information center on the south bank provides access to the visitor pavilion where you can view the structure up close. The best views come at high tide when the silhouette appears against the sky.
Did you know?
The system is tested every month, and the gates rotate from their horizontal resting position to vertical. Each gate weighs 3,300 tonnes and is powered by hydraulic motors.
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