Thames River Barrier

 The Thames River Barrier is the world's second largest movable flood barrier, and is located near Woolwich. The main purpose of building such a huge engineering miracle was to save the city of
London from flooding from very high tides and storms.

The barriers were first proposed after floods in 1928 Thames Flood (14 people died) and 1953 North Sea flood (307 people died). proposals were asked for large flood barrier in line with allowing ships to pass through barriers for trade from London Docks.

The site was choosen at Woolwich for its strong riverbed and straight banks. The construction started in 1974 and finished in 1982. the Barrier was officially inaugrated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 may1984. The total construction cost was around £500 million and an additional £100 million for the river defence against the floods.
The Barrier is build across the 520 metre stretch of the river Thames and is divided into four 61 metre movable spans. The flood Gates open in circular motion and a complete 180 degree for the maintenance purpose.

The barrier is closed hundred times since 1982 to 2007 to protect the city from flooding from the high tides.
On 27 October 1997, Due to heavy fog one ship named MV Sand Kites collided with the Thames Barrier's Pier, and finally sank after taking all counter-measures against sinking and was lying on the river bed for a few further days till it was re-floated in mid November 1997.
The Barrier was designed to protect London against the big floods until 2030.

Visiting:
            The Thames river barrier can be visited by bus (161, 177, 180and 472), tube the nearest one is north Greenwich Tube station, Greenwich DLR Station, River Taxies Available every hour from Westminster pier,