River Thames Barrier

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River Thames Barrier

 

The Thames Barrier is the world's second largest movable flood barrier in the world, constructed from 1974 to 1982 and was first used in 1983. The Barrier is located downstream of central London, keeping London from experiencing floods by raising it during high tides and lowered to release upstream water.

It was built across a 572 yard wide stretch of the river, dividing it into four navigable spans and four smaller non-navigable channels. The barrier has become a great help to the city, as London is very prone to flooding.

Charles Draper was responsible for the concept of the rotating gates, and it was designed by Rendel, Palmer and Tritton for the Greater London Council. Because of its banks’ relative straightness and the strong support from the underlying river chalk, the site at Woolwich was thought to be the best location. The project was originally commissioned by the Greater London Council under the guidance of Ray Horner but is now being operated by Environment Agency.

The Barrier has been seen in The Clash’s music video for “London Calling,” BBC’s TV series Spooks and Doctor Who, car show Top Gear, and movies Flood and Eastern Promises. The graphic novel V

for Vendetta also referenced the River Thames Barrier.