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Started on 4th November 1991 and completed 22nd April 1995, The Tees Barrage is one of Teesside’s newest and most impressive facilities.

Its main function is to prevent the river upstream of the barrage being tidal and so opening many opportunities for water sports. The whole construction is built upon a 5 metre reinforced concrete base below the bed of the river which measures a massive 70 metres by 32 meters. On top of this stands 5 concrete piers with four 50 tonne gates in between them.

These gates are 13.5 metres long and 8 metres high and are operated by a 21 tonne hydraulic ram. It is these gates that keep the level upstream at a permanent high tide level.

The Barrage was built by Tarmac Construction with over 650 tonnes of steel and at the beginning of it’s construction, the whole course of the Tees river had to be diverted down a man made channel in order to pump dry the river bed and lay the foundations, finally being returned to it’s original course on 7th September 1993 !!

The Barrage contains within it’s structure a fish pass, with it’s own integral viewing area and a 320 metre navigation channel with a 6 metre wide lock to allow small vessels to navigate from one side of the barrage to the other.

In the surrounding landscaped area, facilities include a massive David Lloyd Health and Sports Club, impressive hotel, Beefeater Restaurant, windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, rowing angling and of course, the Whitewater Course which provides whitewater rafting tuition right up from beginner level !

The surrounding river itself plays host to a number of national and international events, including a rowing regatta, powerboat racing and the Canoe World championship in 2001 !!

Of course, if you’re not the energetic type, you can visit the barrage area just for the excellent views from the many viewing areas or to pig out in the restaurant !!

All in all, the The Tees Barrage can provide most visitors with a great fun day out where you can exert or relax, eat, drink and sleep and is an excellent attraction whatever your age.