Lock 16, Harris Lock, Semington, Kennet & Avon Canal

Detail

From Date: 07/01/2019 08:00

To Date: 22/03/2019 17:00 inclusive

Type: Navigation Closure

Reason: Repair

Is the towpath closed? Yes

Location

Closest waterway: Kennet & Avon Canal

Starts at: Lock 16, Harris Lock

Ends at: Lock 16, Harris Lock

Upstream winding hole: Foxhangers Wharf

Downstream winding hole: Whaddon, between Bridges 161 and 162

Updates

20/03/2019 10:28

Due to a significant effort from the project team and our contract partners, the works to Lock 16 have been accelerated to enable the canal to be reopened to traffic on Friday 22nd March 2019. 

In order to enable opening earlier than originally programmed on 2nd April 2019, not all the facing brickwork to the new concrete downstream approach wall of the lock has been completed and temporary copings have been installed.  The lock sides have all been levelled and the quadrant temporarily reinstated so that the lock can be safely operated, with a view to our direct services team returning to site in the 2019 winter stoppage period to complete the brickwork and also to refit the bottom gates now the downstream walls have been stabilised. 

27/02/2019 12:18

Further to our earlier updates, we are very sorry to report we will be unable to complete the repairs at Lock 16 within the timescale previously advertised.    

Following the dewatering of the navigation, it was decided to remove the entire height of the downstream lock approach walls to enable an effective repair.  The extent of the scour and erosion of the existing walls in the lock approach bay was also found to be much more severe than initially believed.  These two issues required a change in the design and an increase in the scope of works.  Progress was delayed due to safety concerns following movement of the lock approach wall, which has now been resolved.

Please be assured our contractors are doing everything they can to complete these repair works as soon as possible.  However, we will not be in a position to re-open the navigation until Tuesday, 2nd April. 

We will not be able to complete the brickwork facing during the stoppage and so will return later in the year to carry out this work.  It is expected this will be done under local restrictions and we will issue an update as soon as the timings for this have been agreed.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.

15/01/2019 12:10

Further to our last update, please be aware, for safety reasons, the towpath will also be closed from 21st January and will remain closed until completion of the repairs in March. 

An alternative route is available via the public rights of way to the south of the canal, and a map will be displayed on site.  

09/01/2019 15:44

Following the failure of the offside approach wall on 4th December 2018, the scope of the work has now increased over and above that originally anticipated. 

We are working with our contract partner to undertake a full repair.  We are currently developing the programme but works will be completed no later than 15th March 2019. 

Further updates will be issued as the works progress.

20/09/2018 16:03

The navigation at Lock 16 will be dewatered to allow a full investigation of the condition of the lock.  Emergency repairs will be carried out during the closure, as appropriate.

Following consultation with local customers and stakeholders, the closure has been re-programmed and will now take place after Christmas, as originally planned.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Description

The navigation will be dewatered to allow a full investigation of the condition of the lock. 

Emergency repairs will be carried out during the closure, as appropriate.

This stoppage will now take place before Christmas to bring it in line with other works in the area.