The Thames Flood Barrier

In 1972 the Government decided to build a flood barrier to protect London from floods caused by storms and high tides. The last flood in 1956 had been devastating. The Thames flood barrier was completed in 1986 at a cost of £370 million. When the barrier is closed, rotating steel gates form a wall across the River Thames. When the river level is normal, the gates are left open to allow ships to pass through. When there are high tides, with high waves caused by storms, the gates are lifted to stop water travelling up the Thames estuary.

Thames Flood Barrier: more pictures