New lock gates and better mooring facilities are just some of the benefits motorboaters will see from a £3.8 million upgrade for the River Thames later this year.

Eighteen structures have been marked for improvement, with the largest projects on the lower Thames at Hurley and Sandford, where work will be carried out to replace lock gates and refurbish lock chambers to the tune of £1.55 million.

In total, fifteen locks will be affected by temporary closures, with work scheduled to take place between October 2010 and March 2011.

Other projects include upgrading the short stay moorings at Weybridge, opposite Shepperton Lock, to improve safety and provide better access for disabled people. The work should be completed in time for the August bank holiday weekend.

Short stay moorings at Surley hall point, near Boveney Lock in Dorney and the boat rollers at Sunbury Lock will also be improved.

Read the full story here: http://www.motorboatsmonthly.co.uk/news/494488/river-thames-set-for-3-8-milli...