The Thames Barrier is a (16)________major____ part of the flood defence scheme for protecting London (17)___________rising water level. The defenses (18)__________ included raised embankments and (19)_________________ flood gates at strategic points, including the Barking Barrier. The unique structure that is the Barrier spans the 520 – meter wide Woolwich reach and (20) ______________ of 10 separate movable gates, each pivoting and supported between concrete structures which house the operating machinery.
When raised, the four main gates (21)____________ stand as high as a five – storey buildings and as wide as the opening of Tower Bridge. Each (22)___________3700 tonnes. During the first twelve years of (23)___________, the Barriers has been closed twenty times to protect London.
(24)___________ the Barrier from the comfortable cafeteria. Picnic on the riverside. Picnic on the riverside embankment. Enjoy beautiful view from the riverside walk. Visit the shop which stocks a large selection of souvenirs, books and Barrier information.
There is a children play are suitable for 4- to 12- year olds, located adjacent to the riverside walk. A visit to the spectacular Thames Barrier is a (25)_____________experience.
