Stoppages & Restrictions Listings

Bridge 2, Bedford Street
Up Stream Winding Hole: Upstream of Ivy House Br 12
Down Stream Winding Hole: Caldon Junction with the Trent & Mersey Canal

Update on 21/02/2018:

There have been ongoing discussions between the many stakeholders involved in the Bedford Street Bridge project regarding the design of the works to be carried out. It is now agreed the stakeholder group will work towards finalising and agreeing a design over the summer period and will undertake the works during next year’s winter stoppage programme. As a result, the navigation will remain open until further notice.

Starts At: Lock 1
Ends At: Railway Bridge

TOWPATH CLOSURE (3pm Tuesday 3 April until 5pm Monday 20 August 2018)

Third Party contractors will be carrying out repairs to make improvements to the towpath.

Whilst these works are being carried out the towpath will be closed in sections but alternative routes will be available via public footpath and the main road (A646) which runs along side the canal.

Lock 9, Mile End Lock

ADVICE (Thursday 3 May 2018 until further notice)

Due to a boating incident, damage has occurred on the bottom gates at Mile End lock. The Lock is still usable but it is important that all lock users ensure the top gates and top paddles are closed after use. This is to conserve the water above the lock.

Engineers are reviewing the damage to schedule in future maintenance works.

Lock 47, Dudswell Lock

Update on 26/06/2018:

Please be advised if you are wishing to book passage through Lock 47 Dudswell there is a navigation closure at Lock 49 Northchurch between 26 June at 4pm to 28th June 2018 at 8am Inclusive

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/13226/lock-49-northchurch-grand-union-canal

Update on 21/05/2018:

Please be advised that CRT will be unable to take bookings for wide beam passage to travel through on Tuesday 22 May between 12 noon and 4pm due to staff being unavailable.

RESTRICTION (2.30pm Tuesday 8 May 2018 until further notice)

Please be advised that one gate at this lock is inoperable due to repairs needed to the balance beam. This gate will be locked shut.

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

Passage is available Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 8am until 4pm only and must be booked 24hrs in advance.

Starts At: Lock 11 East, Library Lock
Ends At: Lock 4 East

TOWPATH CLOSURE (8.30am Monday 14 May until 5.30pm Friday 14 September 2018)

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal Towpath is being improved between Lock 4 (Milnsbridge) and Lock 11 (Manchester Road). The works are being funded by the Department for Transport Cycle City Ambition Grant (CCAG2).

The new towpath will deliver an improved surface, with better drainage due to the installation of a permeable recycled rubber surface dressing.

The towpath will be closed in phases, with maps of the immediate area placed on barrier fencing, showing users potential alternative routes.

Lock 11

Up Stream Winding Hole: Above Lock 12
Down Stream Winding Hole: Below Lock 8

Update on 11/07/2018:

Further monitoring of Marple Lock 11 has shown no significant further movement of the lock chamber, and it has been deemed safe to operate the lock for boats up to 6ft 10in wide under assisted passage 12th July.  Canal & River Trust Staff will be available to assist boats through the lock on Thursday between 9-10am  and subsequently between the hours of 3-4pm in the afternoon on each day.  Engineers will continue to monitor the lock to identify if any further movement does occur, although we hope that it does not.  It may become necessary to shut the lock again at short notice if further movement does occur, and boaters should take this possibility into account when making plans. 

It is hoped that we will be able to continue navigation (albeit restricted and assisted) throughout the majority of the summer boating season, before the lock will be shut for more permanent repairs in the autumn.  The design of these works is ongoing, and ground investigations may require additional restrictions from time to time, these will be minimised and will be advertised as appropriate.

Update on 06/07/2018:

The works to jack back the chamber wall at Marple Lock 11 have been completed.  Unfortunately monitoring has shown that the chamber wall moved (very slightly) overnight, so CRT want to continue monitoring over the weekend and into next week to ensure that it is safe, before we can re-open the lock to navigation (restricted to 6’10”).  While it remains closed, they are at least able to get on with the investigation works for the permanent repairs (to get back to full 7’2” boats), which are currently being designed with the intention to deliver this coming winter.  It is hoped that getting on with these investigations now should reduce disruption later in the summer. 

Update on 29/06/2018:

CRTr teams have been pushing back the masonry in the lock chamber, this has been carried out over the last week. A large number of the stones have moved and are now at 6’11’’, which is the minimum which is required to allow 6’10’’ boats to pass through the lock.

There are some stones which, even though they have moved, have not moved back to allow sufficient clearance. Some of these moves back to 6’11’’ but then push forward again, restricting the width of the lock. Due to this is has now been decided that some masonry should be planed to achieve the require width within the lock.

This will be carried out over the next week, starting on July 2^nd. It is likely that this will take a few days, along with the installation of weep holes in the chamber. Due to this the flight will remain closed to boats as works will continue to be carried out next week. The flight closure will then be reassessed at the end of next week.

Update on 15/06/2018:

During this week while CRT have been assisting boats through Lock 11, they have experienced further difficulties with boats over 45ft long getting stuck on the affected area of the lock wall.

To ensure safe passage through lock 11, CRT can only continue to allow passage for boats up to and including 45ft (13.75m) without restriction and are working hard to establish a temporary repair that will start on site on the 25^th June.

The aim of this temporary repair is to enable unrestricted passage through the summer whilst CRT prepare for a permanent solution to be delivered in the stoppage season. However, there is a risk that this temporary repair will not be successful, which resulting in the lock being closed until they are able to complete the permanent repair.

The lock will be closed to all boat traffic from 25^th June while the temporary repair is carried out.

Update on 06/06/2018:

As a short-term measure CRT have successfully moved back the tow path side copings which were causing some of the pinch-points in the lock and are currently considering how to address the  movement which has occurred lower down in the chamber wall.  The immediate aim is to provide a short-term solution which will provide sufficient clearance to enable all boats with a beam of  up to 6ft 10in to safely navigate through the lock. 

One option that CRT are investigating is the possibility of  jacking the walls back to provide more clearance and if this proves a feasible option, will aim to do this as quickly as possible however this will not be satisfactory solution in the long-term and so CRT are currently also undertaking further analysis and design to enable a more permanent repair to be developed.

Having undertaken further investigations CRT are now in a position to allow supervised passage through Lock 11 (Permitting specific width requirements). There will be no width restriction for boats up to and including 45ft (13.75m) long, boats that are over 45ft long must have a beam of 6ft 9in or less should be able to navigate through the lock. The lock will be opened and supervised on a daily basis between 9 – 10 in the morning and 3  – 4 in the afternoon. (Subject to change at short notice)

Update on 04/06/2018:

Following on from problems at Lock 11 over the weekend where CRT have been operating the lock under a restriction, reluctantly they had to take the decision to close the lock after more extensive problems were found in its operation than had been anticipated.

Engineers and project managers have been assessing things today, and work is ongoing to realign some of the copings.   They will need to review things when this has been completed to decide whether or not they can reopen the lock or if a more extensive repair is going to be needed.

CRT know that this will be disappointing for people especially with the wait for the other work that that has happened at Marple and want to assure everyone that they are doing everything they can to reopen the lock as quickly as possible.

Update on 30/05/2018:

Teams will be carrying out work to Lock 11 tomorrow throughout the day.

Passages will be only available between 11am and 1.30pm.

From Friday onwards, the hours will resume to 10am-4pm.

RESTRICTION (10am Saturday 26 May 2018 until further notice)

There appears to have been some movement in the lock wall that could restrict passage for boats over 6ft 10in, therefore lock 11 will only be passable under staff supervision until further notice.

The lock will be closed outside the hours of 10am and 4pm.

Marsh Lock

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (12noon Saturday 2 June 2018 until further notice)

Marsh Lock has been closed due to mechanical damage, pending further investigation and possible repair works.

There will be no passage between the Manchester Ship Canal and Weaver Navigation until further notice.

Barrowford Reservoir

ADVICE (9am Friday 1 June 2018 until further notice)

WARNING – Blue Green Algae

A suspected bloom of blue-green algae has been found in this water.

Swallowing the water or algal scum can cause stomach upsets or more serious health effects.

Contact with the water or with algal scum can cause skin or eye problems.

It is a sensible precaution for you, your children and your animals to avoid contact with the scum and the water close to it.

Please note the location of the suspected algal bloom may change as a result of wind and water movement.

Elsan, Grand Junction Bt Co L5 Moorings

ADVICE (10am Wednesday 6 June 2018 until further notice)

The Trust have been made aware of regular diesel contamination of the cess pit at Gayton Junction.

The contamination of the pit delays the scheduled empty and incurs extra unsustainable costs to the Trust. This is because a specialist contractor must be arranged to carry out a contaminated waste empty.

Please be advised the Trust are looking into this and hope that the regular occurrences can be resolved.

If you have any information, or wish to discuss further with the customer service team please contact enquiries.southeast@canalrivertrust.org.uk  

Elton Reservoir

ADVICE (11.45am Wednesday 6 June 2018 until further notice)

A suspected bloom of blue-green algae in the Reservoir has been reported.

Swallowing the water or algal scum can cause stomach upsets or more serious health effects.

Contact with the water or with algal scum can cause skin or eye problems.

It is a sensible precaution for you, your children and your animals to avoid contact with the scum and the water close to it.

Please note the location of the suspected algal bloom may change as a result of wind and water movement.

Starts At: Lock 1
Ends At: Lock 2

RESTRICTION (until 5pm Monday 3 September 2018)

Third party contractors will be carrying out work on an old sewer that runs under the canal and the surrounding land. The sewer will be cleaned and then realigned as part of these works.

Whilst these works are being carried out contractors should give way to towpath users when required but CRT do ask all pedestrians to be cautious when passing the cordoned off areas.

Starts At: Bridge 10, Holmes Swing Bridge
Ends At: Stanley Dock Top Lock

Update on 09/08/2018:

Further to the notice of 1 August 2018, the new culvert is in place.  The team are now installing a new headwall at the inlet and reinstating the masonry wash wall on the towpath side.

The navigation is expected to be re-opened on Friday 24th August before the bank holiday weekend.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact us on 03030 404040.

Update on 01/08/2018:

Further to the update of 27 July 2018, unfortunately we have experienced issues relating to water management and pipe installation at the site which have impacted progress.  The team are working hard to remedy the issues.

CRT can confirm that the navigation will be open on 24 August, in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Please note that some sections of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal are subject to temporary closures as part of drought measures.  You can find out which sections are affected by following this link.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact us on 03030 404040.

Update on 27/07/2018:

Further to the update of 18 July, works continue at site to install the new culvert.  80% of the pipe has been installed with the remaining pipe works to take place early next week.  Following this, we will be completing works to reinstate the clay bed and wash walls.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact us on 03030 404040.

Update on 18/07/2018:

Works continue on site and the team are now in the process of installing the new culvert.

More pumps have been arranged to help get water to the Liverpool side of the stoppage and we hope that water levels will come up within the next week.  We will keep you updated as to when the water has reached navigable levels.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact us on 03030 404040.

An update will be issued on Friday 27 July 2018.

Update on 11/07/2018:

Works continue as planned on site and the team has commenced with the removal of the old culvert.

Over pumping is in place and the water levels on the Liverpool section are slowly rising. We will keep you updated as to when the water has reached navigable levels.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact us on 03030 404040.

Update on 11/07/2018:

Works continue as planned on site and the team has commenced with the removal of the old culvert.

Over pumping is in place and the water levels on the Liverpool section are slowly rising. We will keep you updated as to when the water has reached navigable levels.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact us on 03030 404040.

Update on 27/06/2018:

Further to the update of 20 June 2018, the access track has been laid and work to install the first dam is complete.  The team will continue to work through the weekend to install the second dam.

CRT hope to commence feeding water into the area by over pumping within the next few days.  They have also agreed an abstraction from the River Alt.  Unfortunately, low water levels and persistent warm temperatures in the river have prevented us from taking any water so far.  CRT are monitoring the water levels and will keep you updated as to when boat movement can resume on the Liverpool side of the stoppage.  It will take time for the water levels in the Liverpool section to recover.

Teams will commence with works to remove the damaged culvert next week.  The current programme of works will aim to have the culvert replacement complete and the area re-watered by the third week of August.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact  03030 404040.

Update on 20/06/2018:

Further to the update of 15 June 2018, teams continue to install the trackway across the adjacent field, which will facilitate access to the site with the required machinery.

Contract teams will be working through the weekend andhope to be in a position to commence the installation of the first dam on Monday next week and the second by Thursday.

CRT have been liaising with the Environment Agency who have granted permission to extract water from the River Alt.  Once the dams are in place, they will start to feed water from the river to the Liverpool pound.  CRT are limited to how much water can be abstracted and it will take time for the Liverpool section to recover.  They are monitoring the water levels on a weekly basis and will keep you updated as to when boat movement can resume on the Liverpool side of the stoppage.

If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact  03030 404040.

Update on 15/06/2018:

The team have now established a site compound near to the stoppage area.  CRT have obtained the necessary permission to access the canal using third party land and are in the process of laying a track across so that we can get the necessary machinery to site. They anticipate that the track will take one week to install. Following this, they will be installing dams on either side of the collapsed culvert so that they can assess the damage, plan and commence the necessary repairs.

The initial assessment is that the area will be closed for at least six weeks.

The North West customer support team will be contacting customers with Liverpool Canal Link bookings to keep them updated and make any changes required.  If you have a Liverpool Canal Link booking and need some advice, please contact us on 03030 404040.

Update on 14/06/2018:

AMENDMENT

Please note that the towpath is closed from Ledson’s Bridge (No. 9c) to Melling Stone Bridge (No. 11).

Update on 13/06/2018:

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is currently closed to navigation between Bridge 10 (Holmes Swing Bridge) to Stanley Top Lock / Eldonian Village in Liverpool due to a collapsed culvert (No. 29) in Melling.

Teams have been working today to secure the site and install portadams to contain the area and reduce loss of water.

Please note that the towpath is closed from Spencer’s Swing Bridge (No. 36) to Melling Stone Bridge (No. 11).

Update on 13/06/2018:

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is currently closed to navigation between Bridges 9C (Ledson’s Bridge) in Bridge 10 (Holmes Swing Bridge) due to a suspected collapsed culvert (No. 29) near Melling / Burscough.

Engineers are on site completing investigations

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (Wednesday 13 June 2018 until further notice)

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is currently closed to navigation at Bridge 10 (Holmes Swing Bridge) due to a collapsed culvert (No. 29) near Burscough.

Starts At: Lock 1, Ryders Green Top Lock
Ends At: Lock 8, Ryders Green

RESTRICTION (4pm Thursday 14 June 2018 until further notice)

Due to continued vandalism Ryders Green flight will be closed overnight between the hours of 4pm and 8am until further notice.

Starts At: Lock 51, Worksop Bracebridge Lock
Ends At: Lock 65, West Stockwith Lock

ADVICE (11am Tuesday 19 June 2018 until further notice)

Each year, especially during the summer months, we experience weed on the Chesterfield Canal that can create problems for boats using the navigation. The growth of weed is a result of the nutrients within the water and the amount of sunlight and some flows in from the numerous watercourses that join the Canal and so to a large extent we have little control of how much weed is present on the canal. CRT use weed boats to remove this weed, typically from May through to September, and place it on the banks of the Canal. Despite these approaches, navigation may be affected from time to time but please be assured that CRT will do its best with the resource available to manage the weed.  Please report any sightings of weed growth to enquiries.eastmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk