Thames Barrier Visitor Centre
1 Unity Way, London SE18 5NJ
Web Site: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8305 4188
Nearest Tube: North Greenwich

The Thames Barrier is a series of ten separate movable gates positioned end-to-end across the river. Each gate is pivoted and supported between concrete piers that house the operating equipment. Closing the barrier seals off part of the upper Thames from the sea. When not in use the six rising gates rest out of sight in curved recessed concrete cills in the riverbed, allowing free passage of river traffic though the openings between the piers. The visitor centre shows how the barrier was built and operates.