(DIR) Home London's Thames Barrier marks 40th anniversary (HTM) Source ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr Batchelor added that despite the success in protecting London over the past 40 years, the Environment Agency would "not rest on our laurels given the threat of rising sea levels", and would work with partners to review and decide on the right option for a new barrier by 2040. Options include upgrading the existing barrier by 2070, so that the gates are not overtopped by rising seas and storm surges, or installing a series of flood storage "reservoirs" downstream. The other options are a new barrier with a similar design to the current one, with moveable gates that lie flat on the riverbed when not needed to allow vessels to pass through and then swing up to close, or a permanent barrier with locks for river traffic. The Thames Barrier currently has 10 steel gates that can be raised into position across the River Thames when needed. Once raised, the main gates are as tall as a five-storey building and as wide as the opening of Tower Bridge. Each main gate weighs 3,300 tonnes. ______________________________________________________________________ Served by Flask-Gopher/2.2.1