We're committed to get the lift back in operation while we look to secure the larger investment required for the structure’s long-term future. Engineers have worked hard to define a solution which, subject to testing to prove its safety and viability, would reopen one caisson in May 2027 as planned. This will once again allow boats to transfer between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Open day
An open day will be held at Anderton this autumn, giving boaters, visitors and local communities an opportunity to hear about progress, the engineering challenges involved, and the plans being developed for the lift’s long-term future. A date will be announced once the testing programme has been finalised.
Since the lift was taken out of operation, extensive investigations and engineering work have been undertaken to identify the cause of the failure and determine the most appropriate repair solution.
A range of options was considered, including a new lifting mechanism that would remove the need for cables. However, as work progressed, the complexity of implementing such a solution on a historic structure was neither practical nor affordable. As a result, we have focused on an alternative approach based more closely on the existing cable system.
We've now identified a potential proposal that warrants further testing. Replacement components will be installed before a programme of tests is carried out to establish whether the approach is safe and viable, and to identify any further work required before the lift can reopen.
Visitors will be able to see activity taking place at the site this autumn as elements of the lifting system are replaced and tested. It is expected that there will be a clearer understanding by December 2026 of the remaining work needed to achieve the planned reopening date.
Meeting modern safety standards
Jon Horsfall, our regional director for North West, said: “Anderton Boat Lift is hugely important to boaters, visitors and the local community. Since it was unexpectedly taken out of operation, we’ve undertaken extensive investigations and engineering work to understand the cause of the failure and identify a safe, reliable and sustainable solution. While that process has taken longer than hoped, it has been essential to ensure that any repair can meet modern safety standards while respecting the lift’s historic significance.
“We now believe we have identified a potential way forward and the next stage is to carry out testing to confirm that the proposed solution is safe and viable.
“Our focus remains on reopening one caisson in May 2027, while continuing to work towards securing the longer-term investment needed to protect the future of this unique structure, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support while we work towards getting the lift back into operation.”
