Harris Lock (Lock 16), Kennet and Avon

We carried out further investigations on Monday 17 December and found the bottom approach walls to the lock have moved further. There is now a risk that the towpath lock approach wall could give way, particularly if it were to be hit by a boat.

As a result, having exhausted all options to find a solution, we’ve unfortunately no choice but to close the lock to boat traffic. This closure will continue until the planned repair work begins in early January 2019. We are reviewing designs and will revise the scope of the project accordingly.

We don’t take the decision to close the lock to boat traffic lightly, but the safety of our boaters and towpath users is paramount. We will continue to work with those boaters affected by the closure and would advise anyone who was planning to use the lock prior to the planned closure in January to review their movements.

We will continue to post updates as things develop and encourage you to get in touch via 0303 040 4040 should you have any questions.

The Trust are currently reviewing options for the repairs and possible rebuild to the downstream approach walls and canal invert to Lock 16. 

To this end, our Engineers will be undertaking further investigation works on Monday 17th December. 

The current prognosis is that the lock will remain closed to all boating traffic until these repairs have been undertaken. 

We are scheduled to commence repair works in early January, for which a stoppage had already been programmed.

Further updates to this notice will be made next week and the Trust thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding in this matter.

The Trust are currently reviewing options for the repairs and possible rebuild to the downstream approach walls and canal invert to Lock 16. 

To this end, our Engineers will be undertaking further investigation works on Monday 17th December. 

The current prognosis is that the lock will remain closed to all boating traffic until these repairs have been undertaken. 

We are scheduled to commence repair works in early January, for which a stoppage has already been programmed.

Further updates to this notice will be made next week and the Trust thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding in this matter.

Following the inspection it has been found that the bottom approach chamber wall support has collapsed.

Consequently the lock will remain closed until further notice.

Engineers are currently working on a method of repair.

An update will be issued on Friday 14th December

Following the inspection it has been found that the bottom approach chamber wall support has collapsed.

Consequently the lock will remain closed until further notice.

Engineers are currently working on a method of repair.

An update will be issued on Friday 14th December.

Lock 16 will be closed to boating traffic from 8am on Tuesday 4th December to 4pm on Thursday 6th December with the pound between Lock 15 and 16 being drained of water.

We are inspecting the lock before we carry out repairs to the chamber walls of Lock 16, which will be done as part of the winter stoppage planned to take place from 7th January 2019.

Please see seperate notice for our January winter stoppage plan for Lock 16.