\paperw3360 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \pard\tx3255\tx6525\tx9780\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 \f1 \fs22 Completed in 1984, the Thames Barrier measures 520 metres across and fea
tures ten gates that, when necessary, can fend off excessive flows of water by pivoting up well-above any recorded flood levels. It seldom has to be raised more than once or twice a year.
