Just Zazzled: Historic London - River Thames Barrier Construction In 1980s

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Historic London - River Thames Barrier Construction In 1980s

This post focuses on the River Thames Barrier, London in the early 1980s when London's flood defence system was under construction. The barrier across the River Thames downstream of Central London prevents London from being flooded by high tides and storm surges from the sea. The structure consists of concrete piers separated by navigable channels when the gates are lowered.

The barrier was completed in 1982 and officially opened in 1984 and the image is from a photograph taken around 1981 by the designer at a time close to the barrier's completion.

This unique image shows construction cranes in the background and the piers being built, between which the rotating flood gates are supported. The mechanisms for raising and lowering the gates are shown in the photograph in the form of large yellow V shapes on their side. The ribbed steel pier cover and the control room windows are visible.

Ideal historic souvenir on a range of gifts for those who worked on the barrier as construction workers or contracting engineers, or for those who lived and worked in London in the early '80s.