Concorde to stay in Isleworth

Tidal conditions keep jet moored by London Apprentice

Tidal conditions mean that Concorde will remain in Isleworth until Easter.

The retired jet, the very first Concorde to see commercial service, was supposed to leave Isleworth aboard the barge Terra Marique on Sunday 4th en route for Scotland. However tidal and other conditions mean that the airliner, befeft of wings and tail, will remain moored outside the London Apprentice until April 12th.

Starting at around 1.00am on Sunday 4 April, Concorde was transferred on two trucks move along the A30, the A4, Syon Lane, Twickenham Road and Park Roads. Travelling at 3mph, the convoy arrived at Isleworth Quay at 6..00am.

The loading of the ‘Terra Marique’ has required detailed planning. For example, part of the riverbed at Isleworth will be shaped to accommodate the vessel. This process will involve the careful removal of part of the riverbed and its safe storage nearby. After the vessel’s departure the area will be reinstated to its original condition. The top layer of the bed will be removed and stored separately from the remainder, so that it can be replaced back on top with minimal disturbance to the invertebrate and other wildlife which inhabits it.

Steve Cuthbert, chief executive of the Port of London Authority said:

“It is great that the Thames will be used to move this famous aircraft. It means that the problems that would be caused if Concorde was moved by road to Scotland will be minimised. The journey by water will eliminate days of traffic snarl ups, delays and congestion on the roads.

“It is a further example of how the Thames helps the wider environment in London. River borne trade already keeps an estimated 400,000 lorry journeys off the roads of London each year. This abnormal load movement is another example of how the Thames can be used for sustainable transport.”

4 April 2004

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