Descriptions
Update 1 August 2025, 9:37am
Clitheroe's lock remains closed while essential repair work continues.
We would like to inform you that concrete is currently being poured as part of the ongoing cill repair works. The concrete will require at least three full days to cure properly. On Monday, 4th of August, we will be checking the fit of the gates against the newly completed cill. Subject to progress, we hope to begin dismantling the site on Tuesday, 5th of August, with the intention of reopening the canal by Wednesday 6th of August in the morning. We appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding and will update this notice with any further updates.
Update 25 July 2025, 2:09pm
Clitheroe's lock remains closed while essential repair work continues.
The team is aiming to pour concrete by end of day on 1st of August 2025. This will need time to cure for a few days and will then be reinspected to ensure everything is in order.
Subject to favourable weather and no unexpected issues, we're aiming to reopen the lock by end of day on the 5th August 2025. We will update this notice as soon as the reopening is confirmed or if there are any changes to the schedule.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding.
Update 23 July 2025, 9:02am
Clitheroe's lock remains closed until further notice.
Please be advised that engineering inspections are taking place this week, in conjunction with repair work being carried out by our internal team.
We appreciate your patience as this important work continues. We anticipate being ready to pour new concrete by next week.
Thank you for your continued understanding.
Update 11 July 2025, 9:02am
We're pleased to share that a design solution for the repair at Clitheroe's Lock has now been confirmed. Our team is now working hard to carefully plan and coordinate the next steps to ensure the work is delivered safely. Once the planning stage is complete, we'll be able to provide a clearer timeline for the works and share an estimated re-opening date. We really appreciate your understanding and will keep you updated as things progress.
Update 4 July 2025, 1:08pm
Clitheroe's Lock remains temporarily closed due to an issue with the bottom gate cill. Our Engineering team is currently finalising the design for the necessary repairs. Once this is complete, our Construction team will resume work on-site.
We're committed to reopening the lock as soon as possible but expect the repairs to take several weeks to complete safely and effectively. As soon as work begins, we'll provide a more accurate timeline for reopening.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we carry out these essential works.
Update 2 July 2025, noon
Due to the complexity of the failure at Clitheroe's Lock we are currently working hard to create a permanent design solution to ensure the lock is in operation as fast as possible but also that will be lasting.
This means that current work at the lock has been scaled back to remedial work and preparation for the main repairs. Major works will recommence as soon as is possible. A further update will be provided by 11th July 2025.
Update 25 June 2025, 12:52pm
Kindly note: Boaters requiring access to or from the Thames are advised to use Limehouse Lock.
Limehouse Lock operates on a bookable passage system and must be reserved in advance. If you're planning to navigate the Thames, please ensure you review the important information provided on this page to prepare for your journey.
Locks to the River Thames | Boating in London
Update 24 June 2025, 12:53pm
Last week our construction team set up site and dewatered the lock to allow for our engineers to assess the damage, this took place on Friday. As expected, the concrete cill has blown. The team on site has now broken out the existing concrete ready for our engineers to come back to site to measure up the new cill.
Update 13 June 2025, 3:26pm
Preparations have been completed and work will commence on Monday the 16th of June. Thankyou for your patience whilst repairs are undertaken.
Update 6 June 2025, 4:55pm
We are finalising plans for the repairs and are hoping to be on site from Monday 16th June 2025 to dewater the lock and to start repairs. We will provide a further update on 13th June.
Update 30 May 2025, 10:13am
Engineers have been to site and found 3 letterbox size holes in the cill. This will require stop planks to be installed to carry out a repair.
Our Engineering and Construction teams are starting the process of planning the repair but it is likely that the lock will be closed for a number of weeks.
There will be no assisted passaged due to the severity of the damage.
Boaters requiring access to or from the Thames are advised to use Limehouse lock.
Further updates will be provided once we have a timeline for the repairs.
Update 28 May 2025, 11:13am
Please be advised that the cill of Clitheroe's Lock is still leaking and will not equalise. Our team continue to work on a solution.
The lock will be closed until we can repair the damage. We currently do not have an estimate on how long this might take.
Original 27 May 2025, 3:25pm
There is a leak in the bottom gates of Clitheroe's Lock, Lock 99. We are aware of the leak and are working on a solution.
The lock may take some time to equalise, approximately 40 minutes to an hour. The gates may also require extra force to open, please take care.
