Lock 38, Penkridge Lock

The planned stoppage at Filance Lock (Lock 37) remains on schedule for completion on 13 March.

To support water management downstream at Lock 38 (Penkridge Lock)—where pumping and a fabric dam are currently in place—the gates at Filance Lock will remain locked off to prevent unplanned operation.

Boaters moored between the two locks who need to move their vessel must request access at least two business days in advance by emailing: [email protected]

The Trust will arrange for the lock to be opened and will manage the passage to minimise water flow.

Access is only available for:

• Vessels on permanent moorings between the locks, or
• Vessels intending to leave and not return during this period.

Visiting boats should moor upstream of Filance Lock.

Excavation works have now reached approximately 4 metres, allowing us to fully expose the original culvert. This phase of the project has been challenging due to confined working conditions, the presence of existing services (power and BT) and health & safety requirements.

To gain access to the blockage, the outer wall of the culvert has been carefully cut using concrete saws, creating a large "letterbox" opening. The blockage is now visible and approximately 1 metre away. Work to break out the blockage by hand and with water jet cutting is scheduled to begin on Monday 9 March 2026. Once this is cleared, we will use water jet cutting to create a new route through the culvert so a liner can be installed along its approximately 44-metre length. There is a 3–4 metre gap between two sections of the culvert, which we aim to realign so the liner can be drawn through the full length.

During excavation, we discovered that the culvert diameter varies between 725mm and 900mm, rather than a consistent 900mm as originally expected. This prevents the use of an 800mm liner from another project, as it could cause wrinkling and future issues. A new, purpose-designed liner is being ordered. This requires a formal design process to ensure structural integrity and proper water flow, and the liner will be manufactured overseas to meet highways specifications. The estimated cost of the liner installation is around £60,000, so careful design and approval are essential before installation.

While we wait for delivery of the liner, the team will make full use of the road closure by carrying out additional maintenance tasks, such as repointing sections of the bridge parapet walls.

The affected property owner is expected to return home in early April.

Subject to successful water jet cutting and liner installation, the estimated completion date remains 1 May 2026.

We had hoped to have been in the situation where we had excavated down and reached the blockage in the culvert, but due to -4.0m being the required depth of the excavation and the size of opening is only small a temporary works design was required. The temporary works design provides a safe method of supporting the sides of the excavation to prevent collapse. The design also provides a safe means of access for workers to excavate and work within a confined area to remove the blockage.

Excavating has not been without its challenges, having to expose and work between the existing services to prevent the interruption of both power and communication is constraining our access slightly, but its achievable. We have exposed the services, temporary works design is approved, and we have now excavated down to -2.3m. We have found a second road surface below the existing, so we assume in the past the height of the road has been increased. This has delayed us a little because we would have expected to see compacted infill just below the road surface, this type of material is far easier to excavate. We estimate a further -1.7m to reach the culvert, we will then breakout into the culvert in hope of reaching the blockage and then water jet a new route for a liner to be inserted.

Despite the challenges and constraints experienced, we do not foresee the need to change the completion date, which still remains as the 1st May, unless we experience any unforeseen risks.

There has been limited progress since the previous update due to the requirement for permits from the Council to allow excavation through the road to access the identified blockage. The Trust has now received the necessary permits, and excavation works commenced today (16/02/2026).

We are aiming to reach the blockage by the end of this week. However, due to the numerous services located within the bridge deck, excavation must be undertaken with extreme caution to ensure safe working throughout.

Once access has been gained, the blockage will be broken out and removed by hand. This will then allow water jet cutting to begin. Water jet cutting is a new method for the Trust and has not previously been used on this type of obstruction. Under the circumstances, however, it is considered the most efficient way to re-establish a route for the culvert through the debris and foam concrete.

Subject to the success of the water jet cutting process, the current estimated completion date for the works is 1 May 2026. Further updates will be provided as works progress.

The culvert has now been jetted and a further blockage has been identified. This is located across the original line of the culvert and is preventing progress on preparing the new culvert to accept a liner. The blockage consists of brickwork approximately 4 × 3 metres in size.

Attempts have been made to cut through the blockage using water jetting from within the culvert; however, this has only been partially successful. Specialist contractors with demolition and remote access capability have been consulted, but there is currently no equipment small enough to operate within the culvert.

The next stage of works will involve excavating through the road down to the location of the blockage to attempt removal by hand. It is anticipated that it will take at least one week to reach the blockage. If successful, this approach will help to reduce the overall duration of both the road and navigation closures.

Please note that the bridge contains multiple utilities and services. If these restrict access during excavation, it may be necessary for utility companies to temporarily interrupt supplies to allow safe working. Further updates will be provided as works progress.

Engineers have attended site at Penkridge Lock 38 to assess the damage. A significant section of the culvert has collapsed, which has also washed out sections of infill and foundation beneath the bridge and the nearby cottage.

To prevent any further risk to these structures, the void has been stabilised using specialist concrete. Contractors are now working to clear remaining sections of the culvert that are blocked with compacted debris.

Further investigations and surveys are ongoing to establish the original alignment of the failed culvert. Once confirmed, options to reinstate the culvert, including water jetting or directional drilling through the concrete infill, will be explored.

At this stage, a reopening date cannot be confirmed and will depend on the successful installation of a new section of culvert. Further updates will be provided once investigations and surveys have progressed.

We are continuing to investigate the cause of the issue and to assess the works required to address it. Once these requirements have been identified, we will be able to design an appropriate solution and confirm the anticipated timescales for completion. We recognise the importance of this route for local residents and businesses and appreciate your patience while this work continues. Further updates will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available.

Engineers are still working to develop a suitable repair plan for the collapsed bywash culvert. At this stage, no timescales for the repairs can be confirmed.

Winter stoppages are already in place at Lock 36, Otherton, and Lock 37, Penkridge until 13 March.

We will provide a further update once a repair plan has been agreed.

Please note, Filance Lock 37 will also be closed to ensure safe management of water levels and prevent further damage.

On New Year's Eve, debris was reported in the canal below the bottom gates at Lock 38.

An investigation found that the debris came from the bywash culvert next to the lock. The culvert, which also runs under a road bridge and beside a house, appears to have collapsed. This has created a large void that is threatening the road and the nearby property.

For safety, the canal and road are now closed while engineers assess the damage and carry out repairs. The towpath remains open. Stop planks have been placed across the canal above the top gates to maintain water levels upstream and prevent further damage to the culvert.

We will provide updates as soon as engineers have completed their assessment.

Lock 38 Penkridge Lock on the Staffs & Worcs Canal has been closed due to an obstruction.

Team are investigating this and will update as soon as we have further information.