River Wall Construction Works

What are we doing and why?

Before the tunnel can cross under the River Thames, the existing river wall needs to be replaced in order to future proof the current structure and defenses.

Works in this area are already underway, starting back in August at Dohm Wharf on the north side of the River Thames, and continuing along the river bank under the Emirates Airline.

This work involves the installation of 260 sheet piles (flat steel segments that interlock to form a wall) to reach the depth of 10m below the foreshore. Each pile will interlock forming a wall along the 340m riverbank.

Installation of the sheet piling is undertaken using a special vibratory hammer which uses innovative ‘Variable Moment’ technology. We are using this method because compared to more traditional hammers it produces significantly less vibration in the surrounding area.

In order to install the new river wall without compromising the support of the existing structure, we must first connect the new sheet piles to the old sheet pile wall to create a cofferdam, (a watertight retaining structure – as displayed in the image below)

The new wall will not only strengthen the ground to enable tunnel construction, but also create more flood storage provision for the River Thames. This complies with the Thames Estuary 2100 plan which predicts the water level to rise by 1 metre.

The wall, once complete, will be stepped (as shown in the CGI image below), creating an inter tidal terrace - similar in appearance to that of the Greenwich side.

What are the benefits?

The river wall replacement will:

 -        Comply with the Thames Estuary TE2100 plan

-        Future proof the existing defences with a 120-year design life

 -        Create approx. 1700m2 of new intertidal planted area

 -        Provide additional flood storage for the River Thames

 -        Provide the provision for future riverside walkway