Stoppages, Events and Notices

Update on 03/10/2018:

We are making arrangements with Cheshire West and Chester for the required road closure to allow the repair works to be carried out.  We are hoping to start the repair works in November.  Subject to further planning.

Due to technical issues we are currently unable to operate Town Bridge until further notice. Therefore an air draught restriction of 7ft 6" will be in place.

Further updates will following when available.

Sustaining a working 200 year-old canal system occasionally requires unplanned maintenance work. Please bear with us, we’ll try and keep disruption to a minimum.

Update on 02/05/2018:

Please note the following correction to our contact numbers to arrange booking of Bridge 9:

Canal and River Trust

Mobile 07887 545369 or Mobile 07483 930514

During the construction of a new bridge crossing adjacent to Crossways Swing Bridge, which is under the control of Taunton Highways, the operation of the swing bridge will be restricted to an advance booking system from Monday to Friday.

Normal operation will be available over the weekend.

Advance booking of the bridge will require 48-hours notice. To arrange your booking please contact Canal & River Trust:

Mobile 078877545369 or 0748393514

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. We will endeavour to keep the disruption to a minimum.

An urgent navigation closure is required to repair the canal bed and to prevent leakage through a culvert, which is causing flooding to adjacent land. 

The closure is timed to coincide with the other stoppages on the Macclesfield Canal in order to minimise disruption.  

The towpath will be closed for the duration of the stoppage and a signed diversion will be in place.

We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.

Update on 05/12/2018:

On de-watering the canal to carry out the planned works at Standedge Tunnel, a substantial void was found at the base of the waterway wall.  This requires significant repairs before the navigation is re-watered.  We envisage this taking us beyond the end of the planned stoppage date and so the closure has been extended by one week.  We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Carry out repairs to the wash wall and refurbish the sluice and weir.

Update on 11/12/2018:

Works are ongoing to facilitate a dewatered inspection of the cill. The inspection is vital for gaining more understanding of the works needed to repair the issue.

The local team will continue to monitor water levels on the Rufford Branch.  

A further update will be provided once the inspection has taken place.

Please be advised emergency works are needed to the cill at Lock 8, River Lock on the Rufford Branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This has resulted in our team installing stop planks. The lock is now closed to navigation.

Our staff are on site maintaining the water levels.

We will provide an update once we have further information.

Update on 17/10/2018:

Please note the start date for this closure has been put back by one week until 12th November. 

This is to keep the navigation open for an additional week following the restrictions imposed during the summer due to the drought. 

The stoppage is required to allow repairs to the lift bridge to be carried out. 

Closure to allow for lift bridge repairs to be undertaken.

Update on 15/10/2018:

Dates have been revised to make better use of our resources and allow our skilled construction team to work on both Bath Deep Lock and Caen Hill Flight stoppages.  

This closure at Bath Deep Lock 8/9 will now take place from 19th November to 14th December.  (Caen Hill Flight closure is programmed after Christmas.)

Please note, the replacement of the penstock has been deferred at present.  In order to significantly reduce water loss issues, work will include replacement of the towpath side timber quoin, replacement of the old cills, cutting down the mitre and re-fitting the gates.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this change to our programme.

Update on 02/10/2018:

We are taking the opportunity during this closure to carry out other repairs at Bath Deep Lock, in addition to the replacement of the pumping station penstock.  

Works will include replacement of the towpath side timber quoin, replacement of the old cills, cutting down the mitre and re-fitting the gates.  

The duration and timing of the navigation closure will not be affected by these additional works.

Replacement of penstock at Bath Deep Lock Pumping Station

Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited on behalf of National Grid will be repainting the gas pipe crossing the canal at this location. The towpath and navigation will be closed due to inadequate headroom available for the safe passage.

Update on 06/12/2018:

Following the inspection it has been found that the bottom approach chamber wall support has collapsed.

Consequently the lock will remain closed until further notice.

Engineers are currently working on a method of repair.

An update will be issued on Friday 14th December

Update on 05/12/2018:

Following the inspection it has been found that the bottom approach chamber wall support has collapsed.

Consequently the lock will remain closed until further notice.

Engineers are currently working on a method of repair.

An update will be issued on Friday 14th December.

Lock 16 will be closed to boating traffic from 8am on Tuesday 4th December to 4pm on Thursday 6th December with the pound between Lock 15 and 16 being drained of water.

We are inspecting the lock before we carry out repairs to the chamber walls of Lock 16, which will be done as part of the winter stoppage planned to take place from 7th January 2019.

Please see seperate notice for our January winter stoppage plan for Lock 16.

Please be advised that the buoys at Carrington Road Bridge are no longer in position. We are currently working on a resolution and hope to have them back in place as soon as possible.

In the meantime please be vigilant for the missing buoys and avoid the shallows. When navigating this area, please ensure you follow the below guidance:

When travelling North (upstream) between the top of the SMYC pontoon and the A4440 Road Bridge, boats should keep left of the centre of the River to stay in the deep water channel.

When travelling South (downstream) between A4440 Road Bridge and the top of the SMYC pontoon, boats should keep right of the centre of the River to stay in the deep water channel.

For further information or advice, please contact the Gloucester Dock Office on 01452 318012 or at enquiries.southwalessevern@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

Thank you.

Vehicle impact has damaged Farnhill bridge causing masonry to become dislodged.

For safety reasons passage under the bridge is not possible.

We are waiting for the Council Highways department to remove or make safe the bridge before the navigation can be reopened.

We will update this notice when we have more information.

Due to an event the Netherton Tunnel will be closed between 10.00am and 13.00pm on 20th December 2018 to allow for safe passage. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

As part of the bridge deck replacement works, J Murphy & Sons, working on behalf of Network Rail, will have a pontoon and scaffolding system in the offside navigational channel, extending approximately 1m into the main (towpath side) navigational channel.  The towpath side channel will remain open with reduced width.

Please be aware the navigational width during the works will be approximately 6m under the bridge.

The pontoon and scaffolding will be in-situ for the duration of the works.   

We have worked closely with Network Rail to minimise disruption during the bridge deck replacement works.  There are a number of separate elements affecting the navigation.  Individual notices will be raised for each element, which are as follows:

12/11/2018 to 24/12/2018           Navigation restriction

01/12/2018 to 02/12/2018           Overnight closure

08/12/2018 to 09/12/2018           Overnight closure

15/12/2018 to 16/12/2018           Overnight closure

24/12/2018 to 28/12/2018           Navigation closure

28/12/2018 to 01/02/2019           Navigation restriction

A stoppage is required by Costain Contractors Ltd, working on behalf of the Welsh Assembly, to construct two surface water discharge structures on the offside of the canal.  The navigation will be dewatered to enable the works to be carried out.

The scheme is part of the ongoing construction of the Heads of the Valley A465 new road link system.

Update on 03/09/2018:

A closure is required to carry out the replacement of Lock 27 bottom gates, Lock 28 bottom gates and Lock 26 top gates.

Please be aware it may be necessary to close the towpath for short periods during these works to ensure the public’s safety.  Signage on site will provide further information.

Original message:


Replacement of Lock 27 Bottom Gates, Lock 28 Bottom Gates and Lock 26 Top Gates

Update on 12/11/2018:

The replacement of the lock gate originally planned at Lock 2 is being deferred to release funds to deliver other arising works in the Region.   

However, a stoppage is still required to enable us to carry out urgent repairs at Locks 3 and 4.   These works include unblocking the culvert on the top paddle at Lock 3 and repairs to the top gate at Lock 4 to reduce water loss.    

A shorter stoppage than initially planned is needed to complete these works and so the navigation closure has been reduced by two weeks.  Please note the revised dates.

Replace bottom gate. Repair quoins, cill and chamber brickwork.

Following customer feedback, we have delayed the start of this closure to allow additional cruising time over the new year period.

Update on 15/11/2018:

We have reviewed the timing of the post Christmas closures for the East Midlands Region.  In order to optimise the use and movement of resources and equipment, as well as completing the large programme of works required, we have brought forward the start of the stoppage at the Buckby Flight to 7th January 2019.  The end date has also been brought forward to 28th January 2019.

Repairs will include:

Lock 9 - reline top and bottom gates

Lock 13 - reline bottom gates

Carry out repairs as follows

Lock 9 - reline top and bottom gates

Lock 13 - reline bottom gates

Update on 30/10/2018:

Please be aware we have delayed the start of this stoppage until 7th January 2019 to extend the local availability for cruising over the Christmas period.

The navigation closure is required for works which include replacement of gates, repairs to brickwork, lock ladder, handrail and bollards.

Original message:


New Gates and Brickwork, Ladder, Handrail & Bollard Repairs

Update on 20/09/2018:

The navigation at Lock 16 will be dewatered to allow a full investigation of the condition of the lock.  Emergency repairs will be carried out during the closure, as appropriate.

Following consultation with local customers and stakeholders, the closure has been re-programmed and will now take place after Christmas, as originally planned.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The navigation will be dewatered to allow a full investigation of the condition of the lock. 

Emergency repairs will be carried out during the closure, as appropriate.

This stoppage will now take place before Christmas to bring it in line with other works in the area.

Update on 05/12/2018:

Please be aware of the new start date for the closure at Osterley Lock. 

The navigation will remain open during the site set-up to allow customers additional cruising time over the New Year period.  Please take care when moving through the lock during the stoppage preparations.

Original message:


Carry out repairs to top gate mitre and bottom gate to reduce leakage.

Update on 30/10/2018:

As a result of local customer feedback and consultation, this stoppage is being moved to January 2019.  This is to allow the local trip boat to continue its cruises during thebusy time leading up to Christmas. 

The navigation closure is required to carry out repairs to address subsidence issues downstream of Bridge 4, Midland Railway Bridge.  A towpath diversion will be in place.

We apologise for any inconvenience the short notice of this change may cause to other users of the navigation in the area.

Carry out repairs to address subsidence downstream of Bridge 4, Midland Railway Bridge. 

A towpath diversion will be in place.

Update on 28/11/2018:

Our contractors have reviewed the programme of works for the repairs to Bridge 6 and this has enabled us to keep the navigation open during the week of the site set-up.  The closure will now start on 9th January.  The end date is not affected.  Please take care when approaching the bridge during the site set-up.

The towpath will also be closed from 9th January for the duration of the works, with the diversion route clearly signed. 

We are closely monitoring the relocation of bat roosts within the bridge arch and are hopeful this will not affect the timing of the works.  Any changes will be notified by an update to this notice.

Above-water repairs to the cracked arch of the bridge, parapets, soffit and weathered sandstone stonework. 

Repairs to the wet abutment, below water level, will also be carried out.  The extent of these works will not be known until the navigation is de-watered.

Relocation of bat roosts within the arch may dictate timing of the works.  

Further updates to this notice will be made if any changes are required.

Please also be aware the towpath will be closed for the duration of the works.  A diversion will be put in place from Bulkington Road Bridge 5 (to the west) and Mill Bridge 8 (to the east).  This will be clearly signed.

Update on 30/10/2018:

Please be aware the end date of this stoppage at Lock 49, Rochdale Canal, has been amended to bring it in line with the stoppage at Lock 50.   The stoppages at both locks will run concurrently.

At Lock 49 we will be carrying out repairs to the tail cill, worn coper and the landing washwall.

Repairs to the tail cill, worn coper and the landing washwall.

The dates of this stoppage have been revised from the original plan in order to make the best use of our local resources.

Third party contractors will be carrying out repairs and refurbishment of the Bottom Lock Swing Bridge at Lock 1, Whitby Bottom Wide Lock.  The work will include the use of a pontoon on the canal as well as works from the canal bank. The navigation will be closed and the bridge will not be operational during the works.

Vehicular and pedestrian access to Ellesmere Port Boat Museum will not be affected.

Vehicular access to neighbouring businesses from Lower Mersey Street and South Pier Road will not be affected.

Vehicular and pedestrian access over the bridge from Lower Mersey Street to South Pier Road will not be possible.

The works have been scheduled to coincide with the existing stoppage at Lock 2, Northgate Middle Lock, Chester, Shropshire Union Canal.

Following the breach in the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, we are currently in the process of re-filing the drained section.

In order to enable this to be carried out, we are utilising water resources from the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Although this water utilisation has been planned to cause as little impact as possible, there may be short term variances in water levels as the breach section is being re-filled.

Should you be in any way concerned about the lowering of the water levels, please contact us on 03030 404040.

Please be advised that Canal & River Trust staff will be completing essential maintenance works to Jackson Aqueduct. 

Machinery will be on site so please slow down when entering the area to allow the team to move any plant that may restrict navigation.

Please follow any guidance given by representatives of the Trust and on-site signage

A delay of no more than 20 minutes can be expected.

Thank you for your patience

There is a sunken craft between Gunthorpe Lock and Stoke Lock, near the Ferry Boat Inn. 

Boaters can travel past, but are asked to proceed with care. 

We will aim to have it removed as quickly as possible.

The service block at Wigan Top Lock is currently closed due to vandalism.  

The toilets and shower areas are unavailable.  The waterpoint, refuse and elsan remain available.

Over the weekend a cruiser caught fire causing the boat to sink just before the weir at Stoke Lock. The sunken boat is not currently an obstruction in the navigation for other boaters, but please be aware that it is there and proceed with caution.

Due to the current dry weather we have raised the water levels of the Ripon Canal and therefore there is a reduced air draft at Rentons Bridge close to Ripon Motor boat club Marina. 

This will be ongoing until such time as the levels of water in the River Skell increase which is our source of water for the Ripon Canal.

Can skippers of large craft please slow down and approach the bridge with caution, checking the water level indicator on the side of the bridge to calculate the current air draft.

During the current dry spell, to conserve water resources on the Ripon canal, please share passage through the locks where possible.

Update on 28/09/2018:

In the latter half of September the Macclesfield & Peak Forest Canal reservoirs have benefited from significant rainfall, resulting in an increase in water levels both in the reservoirs and the canal. We appreciate this summer has seen significant disruption to our boating customers and many need to return to home and winter moorings. We are now in a position to re-open the canal at the Bosley Flight on 6th October.

However to try and conserve water, we will initially operate with restrictions between 8am and 1pm daily  

• Last passage at lock 1 and lock 12  will be at 1pm, this is to allow our teams to assist boats through the flight.

We will review these restrictions during the first week with the aim of removing them as soon as possible.

The Bosley Flight will then close on the 5th November to allow the winter works at Locks 8 and Lock 12 to be completed. (The winter works stoppage notices will be updated to reflect time duration changes).

Wide Beam boats wishing to travel through the tunnel must book passage. 

Passage is available Monday - Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) at 8am only and must be booked 48hrs in advance.

Please call 0303 040 4040 and ask to be put through to the Newark Admin Team or you can email us at -

enquiries.eastmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Tunnel length: 2,812m, travel time: 45 minutes

Wide Beam boats wishing to travel through the tunnel must book passage. 

Passage is available Monday - Friday (excluding bank holidays) at 8am only and must be booked 48hrs in advance.

Please call 0303 040 4040 and ask to be put through to the Newark Admin Team or email us at -

enquiries.eastmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Tunnel length: 1873m, travel time: 30 minutes

Wide Beam boats wishing to travel through the tunnel must book passage. 

Passage is available Monday - Friday at 8am only and must be booked 48hrs in advance.

Please call 0303 040 4040 and ask to be put through to the Newark Admin Team or you can email us at -  

enquiries.eastmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Tunnel length: 808m, travel time: 15 minutes

Since the re-opening of the Wigan Flight; Lock 65 (Top of Wigan Flight) and Lock 85 (Bottom of Wigan Flight) on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, we have been carefully reviewing the situation of our reservoir holdings. Due to the sensitive nature of the flight and to oversee safe use, as of Tuesday 30 October 2018 we will be implementing the following restrictions;

The above locks will be padlocked closed outside of these times.  Overnight mooring on the flight will be permitted only at Rose Bridge (between Locks 77 & 78).   Roving lock keepers will be on the Wigan Flight daily to oversee the passages and ensure the water levels are maintained.  This is not an assisted passage and staff will be around to help customers when needed. 

Full assistance is available for single handed boaters on Thursday mornings at 8:30am. Our Wigan Lock keepers can be contacted direct on 01942 405774 if you have any questions or want to report an issue on the flight.  Our Wigan Flight team will endeavour to help with any issues. Please bear with us as we may already be dealing with other urgent jobs.

Overnight restrictions will also be implemented at Poolstock Locks, along with Lock 88 (Pagefield Lock) to Lock 89 (Ell Meadow Lock).  These locks will be opened at 8am and locked at 4pm daily.

These restrictions will be in place until further notice.

In order to conserve water in the Wigan area, as of Tuesday 30 October we will be implementing overnight restrictions in the Wigan central area.

Lock 88 (Pagefield Lock) to Lock 89 (Ell Meadow Lock) on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and Lock 1, Poolstock Lock on the Leigh Branch will be opened at 8am and locked at 4pm daily.

The above locks will be padlocked closed outside of these times.

These restrictions will be in place until further notice.

Work will be taking place on behalf of York City Council on Scarborough Rail footbridge. They will be replacing the existing footbridge.

This will require restrictions to river traffic as follows:

3rd to 7th December 2019. 2 days North span closed, and 3 days South span closed. During the closure the other span will be unrestricted for river traffic.

11th March to 15th March 2019. 2 days North span closed, and 3 days South span closed. During the closure the other span will be unrestricted for river traffic.

Restrictions to alternate spans will also occur on Saturdays over night (22.00 to 06.00) on 9th February 2019, 23rd February 2019, and 2nd March 2019.

Skippers of all crafts - please slow down and approach the area with care. Follow the site instructions for which span to use.