UPDATE 12/08/25: In response to pressure from IWA and others this stoppage has now been reduced to one week, not one month. Great news for all river users and local businesses. More information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/temple-footbridge-works-2025-river-closure-notice/temple-footbridge-works-2025-river-closure-notice
The EA shut Temple Footbridge which crosses the Thames west of Temple Lock, near Marlow, in May 2023. A subsequent restriction notice sets out the plan to close the river completely from 10 September to 8 October 2025.
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) says the round-the-clock closure is excessive, unnecessary, and disregards the impact on navigation and local businesses. The duration and timing of the intended closure at one of the busiest times of year and the impact on navigation users, both private and hire boaters, along with businesses, will be substantial.
Verna Smith, IWA’s South East regional chair, said:
“Closing one of the most popular stretches of the Thames for a month during one of busiest times of the year makes no sense. It’s bad for businesses as well as everyone else. All river users, including anyone who wants to walk the Thames Path National Trail, have been in limbo for over two years.
“Serious questions need to be asked: how did EA’s neglect allow this structure to deteriorate so badly? Why has it taken so long to act? And most importantly, what is its plan to deliver a sustainable repair and properly manage the assets it is responsible for?”
IWA calls on the Environment Agency to:
- Postpone the planned removal of the bridge section until November if the works genuinely cannot be completed within 48 hours;
- Publish a clear timetable and firm commitment for the full repair of the bridge, ensuring that future works do not involve prolonged river closures; and
- Provide limited daily passage for boaters during any closure period, especially if postponement is not possible, allowing at least a few hours of access each day to reduce disruption.
