Thames Blocked at Godstow

[Jaysay]

The Thames is completely blocked at Godstow Bridge (just upstream of Godstow Lock) because of a sunken narrowboat - salvage is being hampered by the strong stream ( though this is currently decreasing). Fortunately, the area can be bypassed by diverting to the Oxford Canal between Dukes Cut and the Sheepwash. For those who are only based on the river, you will need a British Waterways key for the lift bridges and, of course, a windlass for the locks! The Canal & River Trust has waived the licence fee for registered Thames boaters using this diversion. The bypass up the Oxford Canal takes about two hours.

I passed upstream through this route on 30 March without problem, though I should point out that the current is still pretty strong on the Thames as I write (it was Red Boards at Osney) with the level 1 foot up at Osney Bridge, and I would not recommend passage downstream in a large narrowboat under those conditions.

Edited March 31, 2013 by Jaysay

[ditchcrawler]

The Thames is completely blocked at Godstow Bridge (just upstream of Godstow Lock) because of a sunken narrowboat - salvage is being hampered by the strong stream ( though this is currently decreasing). Fortunately, the area can be bypassed by diverting to the Oxford Canal between Dukes Cut and the Sheepwash. For those who are only based on the river, you will need a British Waterways key for the lift bridges and, of course, a windlass for the locks! The Canal & River Trust has waived the licence fee for registered Thames boaters using this diversion. The bypass up the Oxford Canal takes about two hours.

I passed upstream through this route on 30 March without problem, though I should point out that the current is still pretty strong on the Thames as I write (it was Red Boards at Osney) with the level 1 foot up at Osney Bridge, and I would not recommend passage downstream in a large narrowboat under those conditions.

And dont try it in a wide beam boat

[Bunny]

Lockeeper at Abingdon last weekend said the E.A were sending a diver down on Wednesday ( just gone)to see what damage had been done to the bridge supports because the boat is down so far now, estimated 6ft + below the surface, the water has scoured out the bed around the boat , hence the need to check the bridge ect. ( he said) . Bunny.