What is the Jubilee flood relief channel?

The Jubilee River acts as a flood relief channel for the River Thames, allowing water levels to be controlled and diverted from the Thames during times of high flow. Since its construction, the weirs on the Jubilee River have been opened over 30 times to reduce flood risk from the River Thames.

What are the advantages of the Jubilee River?

The Jubilee River reduces flood risk to properties by increasing the total flood capacity of the channels flowing through the area. While it does not protect communities downstream of the scheme, it operates so that flood levels downstream are not adversely affected.

How long did the Jubilee River take to build?

Extending the Jubilee River would cost £250m and take nine years to build. At present, the Jubilee River diverts water from the River Thames upstream of Maidenhead, reducing flood levels through Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton and Cookham.

How much did the Jubilee River cost?

Work by the Environment Agency to control flood water on the Thames has been a “disaster” for Wraysbury, according to residents. The £110m Jubilee River opened in 2002, and was planned to reduce flooding in Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton and Cookham.

Why was the Jubilee flood relief channel built?

It was constructed in the late 1990s and early 2000s to take overflow from the River Thames and so alleviate flooding to areas in and around the towns of Maidenhead, Windsor, and Eton in the counties of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Can you swim in Jubilee River?

Swim through the Jubilee River, in one of the nation’s most notorious swims. At 10km in length it is not too taxing and suitable for swimmers of all calibers, the course takes you from Boulters Lock to Pockocks Lane in Eton.

When did Maidenhead last flood?

March 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of the infamous Thames Valley floods of March 1947. The event is currently (February 2017-April 2017) being marked by an exhibition FLOOD! at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre.

What are the disadvantages of flood relief channels?

Disadvantages: It can be hard find land to build relief channels, they are expensive and when empty can become areas to dump rubbish, etc. If river levels rise significantly it is also possible for relief channels to flood as well.

How many weirs are on the Jubilee River?

5 weirs
Along the river there are 5 weirs. The main weir of interest, Slough Weir, consists of an open concrete ramp that can create a suitable pour over feature in very high water. The Jubilee River, which was completed in 2002, has been built at great cost to alleviate the flood risk to Maidenhead, Bray and Windsor.

Where does the Jubilee River start and end?

River Thames
Jubilee River/Mouths
The Jubilee River starts just upstream of Boulters Weir on the eastern edge of Maidenhead, by passes the Thames to the north and re-joins the River east of Windsor and Eton.

Can you swim in the Jubilee River?

Swim through the Jubilee River, in one of the nation’s most notorious swims. At 10km in length it is not too taxing and suitable for swimmers of all calibers, the course takes you from Boulters Lock to Pockocks Lane in Eton. Come for the Epic medal or to take part in a truly memorable event.

Are flood relief channels effective?

Flood Relief Channels: Building new artificial channels that are used when a river nears bankfull discharge. Advantages: They take the pressure off the main channels when floods are likely therefore reduce flood risk. Advantages: They increase the cross-sectional area of the river and therefore its hydraulic radius.

How big is the Jubilee River flood relief scheme?

The Flood Relief Scheme, now known as the Jubilee River, from upstream of Maidenhead to downstream of Windsor was a major undertaking. The original costings were some £84 million. The new channel extends for 11 kilometres, almost 7 miles, and is now completed and christened ‘The Jubilee River’.

When was Jubilee River scheme built in Maidenhead?

The Jubilee River scheme was built by the Environment Agency and it opened in 2002. The scheme reduces the risk of flooding to over 3,000 properties in Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton and Cookham.

How big is the Thames flood relief scheme?

ThamesWeb News – The River Thames Flood Relief Scheme. The Flood Relief Scheme, now known as the Jubilee River, from upstream of Maidenhead to downstream of Windsor was a major undertaking. The original costings were some £84 million. The new channel extends for 11 kilometres, almost 7 miles, and is now completed and christened ‘The Jubilee River’.

How does the Jubilee River help the Thames?

Under normal conditions, the Jubilee River provides a local recreational and wildlife amenity. In flood conditions, further water is diverted from the Thames and into the Jubilee River. This reduces flood levels in the River Thames running through Maidenhead, Windsor, Eton and Cookham.