Gt. Barford Bridge Upstream Lock Doors and Weir Boom
NAVIGATION CLOSURE (Friday 8 January 2021 until further notice)
Please be aware that following the December flood incident and floodwater discharge through the Bedford Ouse that a large amount of debris has built up in this area around the Great Barford Bridge piers, against the upstream mitre or V-doors of the lock and on the weir boom. This has rendered the lock inoperable.
Whilst our team has been able to clear the lock top of debris, a matt of material too large to remove by hand has amassed below the waterline. Therefore this lock will remain under an emergency closure until emergency recovery work can be undertaken to remove the obstructions.
Any vessels attempting to approach / leave the upstream side of lock will find their crew
will be unable to operate the lock doors and vessels navigating the area will have an
increased risk of coming into contact with these obstructions, therefore you are
recommended to avoid the area for the time being. You are also reminded that you should
only be navigating on the river in line with the current Government Coronavirus restrictions
and latest travel advice.
For further information, please contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 between
9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and ask for the Great Ouse Waterways team.
