Past Stoppages & Restrictions Listing

Vale Royal Small Lock Swing Bridge

Update on 26/10/2023:

Please be advised our specialist contractors will be onsite at Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation to carry out a repair to the lock bridge between Monday 13 November and Friday 17 November, navigation will be closed throughout the duration of the works.

The planned works involve removing the lock bridge pedestal which will be taken to our contractor’s workshop for a full overhaul and the installation of new gearing.

Once the pedestal is repaired it will be refitted on Friday 17 November, our specialist contractors will undertake comprehensive tests of the lock bridge.

Navigation will resume as per our Weaver Navigation Winter Operating Schedule from Saturday 18 November.

Update on 04/07/2023:

Please be advised Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation remains closed due to a fault with the lock bridge.

Whilst our teams continue to establish a method of repair, we are now able to offer prearranged passages to boats that fit within both of the following measurements:

• Boats must have a max length of 10.3m or less
• Boats must have an air draft of 3.6m or less

To book passage through Vale Royal Lock please call our North West Customer Support team on 0303 040 4040.

Update on 21/06/2023:

Navigation remains closed whilst discussions continue regarding the repair of the lock bridge at Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation which is making the lock unsafe to operate.

Our engineers continue to explore all the options that are available to us, and a further update will be provided by Wednesday 5 July.

Update on 14/06/2023:

Please be advised navigation remains closed at Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation due to a fault with the lock bridge.

Whilst our teams have attempted a repair, unfortunately specialist contractors are now required. We are currently organising their attendance and a further update will be provided by Wednesday, 21 June.

Update on 07/06/2023:

Please be advised navigation remains closed at Vale Royal Lock on the Weaver Navigation due to a fault with the lock bridge.

Our engineers currently investigating a method of repair for the swing bridge that is preventing safe use of the lock, and additional site visit is scheduled for next week.

An further update will be provided Wednesday, 14 June.

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (11am Tuesday 6 June 2023 until further notice)

Please be advised navigation is closed at Vale Royal Large Lock on the Weaver Navigation due to a fault with the bridge.

Our local team and engineers have been to site and are currently investigating a method of repair.

An update will be provided tomorrow, Wednesday 7 June.

Retaining wall collapsed due to flooding.
Starts At: Lock 50, Worksop Town Lock
Ends At: Lock 51, Worksop Bracebridge Lock

Update on 14/06/2023:

Due to an increase in booking requests we have extended assisted passage to Wednesdays and Fridays, between the hours of 9.30 & 15.00.

To allow us to allocate resources, please book passage with at least 48 hours notice via 03030 404040.

Update on 27/01/2023:

Whilst we await the full repair of the wall by the owners of the property, to ensure navigation is maintained, boaters will be able to book assisted passage past the blockage of the canal on Wednesdays between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

To allow us to allocate resources, please book such passage by 9:30am on Monday for passage on the Wednesday. We will consider providing assisted passage at other times upon request but cannot guarantee resources will always be available.  

Update on 14/09/2022:

We will be offering assisted passage every Wednesday at 10am until further notice (booking is required) 

Passage is only for purposeful travel (eg. to get to moorings or for boat repairs, medical appointments) not for leisure.

Please may 48 hours notice be given for the passage options to be discussed with a member of the team to ensure that we are able to fulfil the passage requests on 03030 404040.

Update on 09/09/2022:

The Trust has been in correspondence with the third-party owner of the wall since it’s collapse during heavy rain. At this point it has not been possible to confirm ownership of the wall and legal assistance has been sought.

Subsequently, the Trust is reviewing options to remove debris from the navigation and make the remaining wall safe to enable it to re-open.

Once confirmed plans are in place for debris removal and wall stabilisation works a further update will be provided. This update will be no later than 23rd September 2022.

Update on 23/08/2022:

Engineers from Canal & River Trust, Matalan and contractors attended site to asses the works required to repair the collapsed  boundary wall and re open the canal.

Matalan engineers and contractors are now preparing a detailed plan of works.

Phase 1 will be to clear the canal of debris and make safe the boundary wall from further collapse.

Matalan have advised us that they aim to complete these initial works within the next two weeks.

We will further update this once the exact timescales are known     

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (8.45am Wednesday 17 August 2022 until further notice)

The navigation is closed as a retaining wall has collapsed and has fallen in the Canal during flash flooding. 

Engineers and contractors are due on site to assess the damage and we will update the notice as soon as we have any information. 

Higham Ferrers Upstream Canoe Portage

Update on 9/06/2023:

Repairs to the upstream canoe portage at Higham Ferrers on the river Nene have been completed allowing the portage to reopen. Our navigation closure notice of 29 May 2023 is therefore rescinded.

CLOSURE (Monday 29 May 2023 until rescinded)

Please be advised the above canoe portage has been destroyed by fire and closed until further notice.

Brimslade Lock 53

Update on 13/06/2023:

Further to the notice below, engineers have assessed Brimslade Lock 53 and we are pleased to confirm the lock is now operational.

Update on 05/06/2023:

Further to the notice below, please be advised that we kindly request customers not to open the off side bottom gate when entering or exiting Brimslade lock 53.

This is due to an underwater obstruction making it difficult to close the gate.

The team are aware and we will update this notice once we have cleared the blockage.

Update on 05/06/2023:

Further to the notice below, we are pleased to advise that Brimslade Lock 53 has now been repaired and is fully operational.

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (6pm Sunday 4 June 2023 until further notice)

We are sorry to advise that the top lock gates at Brimslade Lock are unable to close. Our teams have tried to clear the blockage today however have not been successful.

Unfortunately, this means that the lock is currently closed to navigation.

Further investigation will take place on Monday morning.

Temple Lock

Update on 14/06/2023:

We have made the repair to Temple Lock and can confirm it is now open for navigation.

EMERGENCY CLOSURE (Tuesday 13 June 2023 until further notice)

The ram on one of the tail lock gates at Temple Lock has detached itself from the anchor beam, making the lock inoperable. Engineers are on route with the aim to make repairs tomorrow morning. The lock will remain closed overnight. We will update this notice with further information as soon as we have it.

Burscough Customer Service Facilities

Update on 15/06/2023:

We are pleased to advise the toilet facilities are now back in use at Burscough Customer Service Facilities.

ADVICE (4.45pm Thursday 8 June 2023 until further notice)

Please be advised the toilet facilities at Burscough Customer Service Facilities are currently out of use due to being blocked.

Contractors have been informed and we anticipate their attendance.

An update will be provided Thursday 15 June.

Submerged Vehicle
Starts At: Lock 6, Woodnook Lock
Ends At: Lock 3, Kings Road Lock

Update on 08/06/2023:

The vehicle has been recovered from the navigation.

The navigation is open.

Update on 08/06/2023:

There is a sunken vehicle 20 meters upstream at the pinch point from the M62 bridge.

Until the vehicle has been recovered Woodnook and Kings road Lock are out of operation. 

Please do not attempt to pass, we will update this notice as soon as the obstruction is removed. 

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (1pm Thursday 8 June 2023 until further notice)

There is an on-going incident, the navigation is closed until further notice. 

We will update the notice when we have more information. 

Pump Out – Northampton Marina

Update on 9/06/2023:

Repairs to the pump out at Northampton Marina have been completed and is open again to use. Our Emergency Closure Notice issued 8/6/23 is rescinded.

EMERGENCY CLOSURE (Thursday 8 June 2023 until further notice)

Please be aware that the Pump Out at Northampton Marina is out of action until further notice. Once repairs have been made this notice will be rescinded.

Starts At: Lock 44, Sir Hugh Stockwell
Ends At: Lock 29, Devizes Lock

Update on 09/06/2023:

We are pleased to advise you that the Caen Hill flight will be open again, from tomorrow morning, on the restricted hours below – The flight will be open 10:00 to 16:00hrs daily with last entry at 13:00. Unfortunately, due to the low water levels, we are unable to open the section between Wootton Rivers (Lock 51) and Crossing Lock (Lock 61), this will be reviewed, and the notice will be updated Monday morning (12th June).

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (10am Thursday 8 June 2023 until further notice)

Please be advised that as a preventative measure, to help manage water levels, we have made the decision to close both the summit pound and the Caen Hill flight for the next 48 hours.

Due to the Crofton and Caen Hill ongoing major works, we still have reduced pumping capacity. This is exacerbating the impact of the current dry weather as we are unable to pump sufficient water to the summit pound to maintain normal operation.

Lock 44 (Sir Hugh Stockwell) through to Lock 29 (Devizes Lock) and Lock 51 (Wootton Rivers) through to Lock 61 (Crossing Lock) will be locked and movement of vessels between these Locks will be stopped for the duration of this time.

We apologies for this inconvenience but believe these measures are essential to allow levels to recover for the weekend.

We will update this notice tomorrow afternoon when we more information.

Pump out
Kinver CSF

Update on 19/06/2023:

Apologies for the delay, there were issues with replacement parts, now back open.

ADVICE (10.45am Thursday 8 June 2023 until further notice)

The pump out is currently out of order.

Please bear with us whilst we get our contractors out to attend.

Starts At: Blisworth Tunnel North Portal
Ends At: Blisworth Tunnel South Portal

BOOKING INFORMATION (7.30-9am Friday 9 June 2023)

Blisworth tunnel will be closed to traffic from 07:30, possibly until 09:00 on Friday 9th June for the passage of a widebeam boat travelling from Stoke Bruerne to Blisworth.

Boats may enter the tunnel if directed to do so by a Trust representative at the tunnel portal or after 08:00 if no representative is present. 

Starts At: Braunston Tunnel West Portal
Ends At: Braunston Tunnel East Portal

BOOKING INFORMATION (7.30-9am Friday 9 June 2023)

Braunston tunnel will be closed to traffic from 07:30, possibly until 09:00 on Friday 9th June for the passage of a widebeam boat travelling from Braunston to Welton.

Boats may enter the tunnel if directed to do so by a Trust representative at the tunnel portal or after 08:00 if no representative is present. 

Lock 40, Bakers Lock

ADVICE (3.30pm Thursday 8 June 2023 until further notice)

Please note that part of the lock landing at the upstream approach to Bakers Lock is currently out of use to allow material used to level the piling backfill to dry.

Tree Blocking Navigation
Starts At: Bridge 33, Kiveton Devils Hole Bridge
Ends At: Bridge 34, Thorpe Pudding Dyke Bridge

Update on 09/06/2023:

Contractors have attended site and the tree has been removed.  Navigation is now open. 

NAVIGATION CLOSURE (8.30am Thursday 8 June 2023 until further notice)

We received a report that a tree is blocking the navigation between bridge 33 & 34.

The navigation is closed until we investigate further.

We will update this notice as soon as we have more information.