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Wolverhampton Lock Flight

Type: Navigation Closure

Waterway(s): Old Main Line

From: 30 July 2025, 12:30pm

To: On-going

Region: West Midlands

Reason: Low Water Levels

Subject to review on: 22 August 2025

Location

Closest waterwayOld Main Line
Starts atLock 21, Wolverhampton
Ends atWolverhampton Top Lock
Upstream winding holeBottom Lock
Downstream winding holeTop Lock

Description

Original 23 July 2025, 3:12pm

We have continued to monitor the exceptionally dry conditions, and the impact on our reservoirs. Unfortunately, despite all our operational efforts, as rainfall has remained well below the long-term average, water levels in our feeder reservoirs are continuing to fall due to canal water demands.

We can now confirm that, from 12:30pm on Wednesday 30 July 2025, Wolverhampton Lock Flight will be closed to navigation until there is sufficient rainfall to replenish our reservoirs. This measure is necessary to help protect vital water resources on the Wolverhampton Level, which supports several other parts of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

If there is enough rain to allow safe navigation, restrictions will be lifted immediately. However, this is likely to require sustained and prolonged rainfall over several weeks, rather than a single heavy downpour.

We understand that this continues to be disappointing news, and our priority is to reopen the canal to full navigation as soon as possible. We thank you for your support in reducing water use across our network, and reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page.

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