Works will span 45 canals and rivers and include 137 separate projects at more than 100 locks, 14 bridges, two tunnels and a host of embankments, sluices, culverts and canal walls.
The work to tackle the big engineering and maintenance jobs takes place between autumn and spring when there is less boating traffic. However, following a challenging summer, with drought causing navigation restrictions, We were able to bring forward some repairs where locks were already closed, including at Foxton Locks and on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, to reduce disruption for boaters later in the year.
Julie Sharman, our chief operating officer, said: “Winter is the time of year when the focus for our engineers, heritage experts and skilled craftspeople, and our amazing team of volunteers, turns to delivering the larger maintenance and engineering projects that are essential to keep the network available for navigation and, in turn, the millions of other people who benefit from this amazing legacy from the nation’s industrial past.”
Regional highlights
North West
Major repairs to the 100-year-old Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge on the River Weaver, and relining a 60-metre stretch of the Peak Forest Canal at Strines Aqueduct.
London & South East
The rare draining of Islington Tunnel on the Regent’s Canal for brickwork repairs and graffiti removal, alongside works at 16 locks across the region.
Yorkshire & North East
A full overhaul of locks 15 and 18 on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, plus embankment works on the Rochdale Canal.
West Midlands
Extensive lock gate replacements across 34 locks, and major canal bed replacement works on the Tame Valley Canal.
Wales & South West
Repairs at 10 locks, draining sections of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal for inspections, and vital work to Purton Upper Bridge on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.
East Midlands
A full refurbishment of Dratley’s Bridge on the Ashby Canal, and work including lock gate replacements and heritage masonry repairs taking place at 10 locks.
Julie continued: “Canals are centuries-old working heritage and, with rising costs, climate pressures and more extreme weather events, the challenge of keeping them in good condition for navigation has never been greater. We can’t do it without the support of boaters, our volunteers, supporters, and the wider public.”
For more information and to see what’s happening near you, visit our Notices and stoppages page.
