Navigation Closure: Anderton Boat Lift

We understand how much the Anderton Boat Lift means to boaters, visitors and the community. We're focussed on finding a solution to get the lift operational again while we look to secure the larger investment for its long-term future. We are still aiming to reopen one caisson in May 2027, as planned.   Since the closure of the lift, the Trust has carried out extensive work to identify the best way to repair and modify the caisson gate lifting mechanisms to prevent similar failures happening again. Several options were considered and in Autumn 2025, after the investigation into the cause of failure had been completed, the detailed engineering design began. The design considered a solution that would remove the need for cables and provide a robust and reliable lifting mechanism. However, as the designs have progressed, the complexity of doing this on such a historic structure has led to the scope, and the forecast cost, increasing significantly – to the point where that option is currently neither practical nor affordable. Consequently, we have needed to consider an alternative solution, based more closely on the existing cable system, to get the lift open and operational for boaters and all those who visit. The solution needs to be safe, legally compliant and in keeping with the historic status of the structure.   We believe we have now found a proposal which requires testing. The next step is for specialist engineers who are familiar with these lifting systems to design and replace the components required before undertaking a series of tests to prove that the solution is safe and viable. The process will also confirm what other works are necessary prior to the lift re-opening for boat use.   Customers and visitors will be able to see this activity being undertaken at the lift this Autumn as we replace elements of the lifting systems and begin testing procedures. We expect to know by December 2026 what further work is required in the new year to reopen the lift by May 2027. We will keep everyone updated through this process as to whether the tests are successful and confirm the forecast opening date.   The Trust will hold an open day at Anderton in the Autumn. We'll publish the date once we have the testing programme and at the most helpful point to share progress. The Trust is aware of how frustrating the closure of the lift has been to boaters and that reopening the lift has seemed to be straightforward to many outside of the project team. The open day will provide an opportunity to share more about the options that have been explored and the constraints we have had to work within to get the lift open. It will also be an opportunity to hear about how we approach a secure future for the boat lift in the longer term. Our priority remains to get the lift operating again for boats. We're sorry for the time it has taken to get to this point – and we'd like to thank everyone for their patience and support while we work towards a solution and the reopening of the lift.  

Earlier this year, the Anderton Boat Lift was closed after a lifting wire failure during planned routine maintenance by our teams. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reopen the lift using the existing gate lifting system. Trust engineers have been working closely with specialist consultants to develop a solution that will see the original rope-and-pulley mechanism replaced on all gates with a more modern, robust and safer lifting system making the lift more reliable.

We're pleased to confirm that the Trust has prioritised the funding required to support the detailed engineering design. However, this work will take time, and the lift will remain closed throughout all next year 2026. We understand how frustrating this closure will be for boaters who regularly use this vital link between the Weaver Navigation and the rest of the Trust's network. The significant investment we're making into this repair reflects how important the lift is to our waterways. Although the lift itself will stay closed, the Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre will remain open, with an exciting programme of events and activities planned for 2026. We hope you'll continue to visit and enjoy everything the site has to offer.

This essential redesign work is being delivered ahead of, and separately from, the wider refurbishment programme. We'll continue to share updates as the project progresses.

We also understand the impact that Marsh Lock's closure is having on customers wanting to visit the Weaver. Our teams are working through the options to bring the lock back into operation, and you can follow updates here.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and support for this vital and historic structure.

Our project team is currently collaborating with contractors to assess the design and cost considerations required to enhance the safety of the caisson gate lift mechanism. This includes a detailed review of associated costs and projected timescales. Customers who are interested in learning more about the challenges faced by the project team are welcome to attend an onsite information day at Anderton Boat Lift. To reserve a place, here.

If you are planning to travel on the Manchester Ship Canal, bookings for Ellesmere Port and Marsh Lock can be made online via our Bookings page, or by contacting our North West customer service team on 0303 0404 040. For first-time travellers or those seeking additional information, please visit: Manchester Ship Canal | Discover the River Weaver Navigation. As previously communicated, Anderton Boat Lift will remain closed throughout 2025. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses, with the next update scheduled this year.

After a lot of detailed work behind the scenes, we've now scoped options and selected a long-term repair plan which will replace all of the gates on the lift something we're confident will make the Anderton Boat Lift safer and more reliable for the future.

The chosen solution will replace the original rope and pulley lifting mechanism with a more resilient actuator-based system to lift and lower the gates. This modern system is more precise, easier to maintain, and will help avoid many of the issues we've experienced with the older rope setup.

While this is a really positive step forward, moving to the new system will require significant investment and careful planning, especially given the historical importance of the lift. We're now developing the detailed designs, working closely with our heritage specialists to ensure the lift's unique character is conserved. This work is being progressed in advance of the wider Anderton Boat Lift refurbishment project, and we're also considering how any new systems will integrate with the broader programme.

With all this in mind, we can now confirm that the Anderton Boat Lift will remain closed throughout 2025. We understand this isn't the news anyone was hoping for, but we want to provide as much clarity as possible, particularly for customers who may now need to plan alternative routes via the Manchester Ship Canal.

If you're planning to travel on the Manchester Ship Canal, bookings for Ellesmere Port and Marsh Lock can be made online via our [[Bookings page]](https://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/?_gl=118u97fm_gcl_auMTQ3MTE5NzY0MS4xNzQ1NTc0MzUwFPAU*MTQ3MTE5NzY0MS4xNzQ1NTc0MzUw), or by calling our North West customer service team on 0303 0404 040. If it's your first time travelling or you'd like more information, visit: Manchester Ship Canal | Discover the River Weaver Navigation.

We'll continue to keep you updated as things progress, with the next update due on or before 29 August 2025. In that update, we'll also share further details about an on-site Information Day, where you'll be able to learn more about the works and repair plans.

Since our last update, our engineers have been developing several potential solutions to bring the boat lift back into service. Each will require careful review to ensure the best long-term outcome for this historic structure.

This process will take time and significant investment, but it's important we get it right. While we're still in the early stages, we'll move into detailed design and planning once an option is selected. At that point, we'll have a better idea of timelines.

For now, we do know the lift will remain closed throughout the summer. We'll continue to share updates as progress is made.

If you're planning to travel on the Manchester Ship Canal, bookings for Ellesmere Port and Marsh Lock can be made online via our Bookings page, or by calling our North West customer service team at 0303 0404 040. First-time travelling or need more details? Visit: Manchester Ship Canal | Discover the River Weaver Navigation. Our next update will be shared on or before 27 June.

Over the last few weeks our engineers and specialists have been carrying out inspections of the structure and have now been asked to come up with several options to allow us to bring the boat lift back into service. Once each option has been carefully reviewed, we'll be able to move forward with the next steps to repair the lift.

Unfortunately, we're not yet able to confirm a reopening date. We're still in the early stages of exploring and reviewing the possible repair options. Once we move into the detailed design and installation phases, we'll have a clearer idea of when the lift can reopen. We do know that the lift will remain closed throughout the summer. We'll continue to provide regular updates as we work to bring this vital historic structure back into operation.

For those planning to visit the River Weaver or our other waterways, passage via Marsh Lock and the Manchester Ship Canal remains available. To support boaters unfamiliar with this route, we're hosting a Manchester Ship Canal Information Day on 16 May at Anderton Boat Lift. The event will offer guidance on navigating the canal, booking requirements, and what to expect.

You can find more details and register on our Manchester Ship Canal (Ellesmere Port & Marsh Lock) Bookings page, or by contacting our North West customer service team on 0303 0404 040.

If it's your first time travelling on the Manchester Ship Canal, or if you'd like a refresher, you can find helpful information here Manchester Ship Canal | Discover the River Weaver Navigation.

Our next update will be shared on or before 23 May.

This notice was originally posted on an old system which has now been upgraded, the original description and latest update have been transferred here. To view any historical updates related to this notice, please click here.

Original message issued 3 January 2025:

During a planned inspection undertaken in preparation for boats to use the lift today, we experienced a fault with the East river gate. The fault requires further investigation and sadly means that we are unable to operate either caisson on the lift until those investigations and any recommendations are complete. Further investigation will begin this morning as specialist contractors assist our teams to make sure we can reopen the lift as soon as possible.

Our Customer Support Team will be contacting and supporting all those customers who have booked passages that are affected by this temporary closure.