London Emirates Air Line Thames Barrier (#0056)

Apologies for not getting a better picture, but I didn’t have my telephoto with me and the cabin was rocking. Seen stretching across the Thames in about the middle of the picture is the Thames Barrier. The Thames Barrier began operation in 1984, it was designed to prevent flooding of the London area at very high tides and during storm surges. When it was built it was anticipated that it would be closed just 2-3 times a year (plus closures for testing), but it has worked out to be 6-7 times per year.

There is a visitor center at the barrier, though it was closed for refurbishing when I was there. For security reasons it isn’t possible to visit the actual barrier.

Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_Barrier
Barrier website: www.gov.uk/guidance/the-thames-barrier