(1)The Secretary of State may, for the purpose of or in connection with the construction, maintenance or improvement of any part of the crossing—
(a)temporarily alter or interfere with the river and construct, place and maintain within the relevant limits in the river all such temporary piles, fenders, booms, dolphins, pontoons, caissons, cofferdams, embankments, aprons, abutments, stagings, piers, wharves, walls, fences, drains, stairs, buildings or other works as he may deem necessary or expedient;
(b)moor or anchor temporarily, or cause to be moored or anchored temporarily, in the river barges or other vessels or craft; and
(c)temporarily close the river or any part of it to navigation.
(2)In subsection (1)(a) above “relevant limits” means—
(a)in relation to the bridge, the limits of land to be acquired;
(b)in relation to the tunnels, the limits of deviation specified in each of the Acts repealed by the [1967 c. xxxvii.] Dartford Tunnel Act 1967 and in that Act by which works were authorised by reference to the plans and sections deposited in connection with the Bills for those Acts.
(3)Before exercising any of the powers conferred by subsection (1) above, the Secretary of State shall consult the Port Authority; but section 70 of the [1968 c. xxxii.] Port of London Act 1968 (licence from Port Authority required for works in river) and section 73 of that Act (licence from Port Authority required for dredging there) shall not apply in relation to anything done in the exercise of any of those powers within the limits of land to be acquired.
(4)In exercising the power conferred by subsection (1)(c) above the Secretary of State shall ensure that no more of the river is closed to navigation at any time than is at that time necessary in the circumstances.
(5)If complete closure of the river to navigation becomes necessary the Secretary of State shall use his best endeavours to secure that the minimum obstruction, delay or interference is caused to vessels which may be using or intending to use the river.
(6)Neither the Secretary of State nor the Port Authority shall be liable for any loss suffered or any costs or expenses incurred by any person as a direct or indirect result of any closure of the river in accordance with this section.