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Various trees down from Wheaton Aston to Autherley Junction

Type: Navigation Closure

Waterway(s): Shropshire Union Canal

From: 14 January 2026, 2pm

To: 21 January 2026, 1:46pm inclusive

Region: West Midlands

Reason: Vegetation

Subject to review on: 21 January 2026

Location

Closest waterwayShropshire Union Canal
Starts atBridge 17, Lapley Wood Bridge
Ends atStretton Aqueduct

Descriptions

Update 20 January 2026, 3:59pm

Navigation is now open from Autherley Junction to Stretton Aqueduct. One remaining fallen tree is currently obstructing navigation between Stretton Aqueduct and Bridge 17. Contractors are scheduled to attend site tomorrow to remove this obstruction.

Once this tree has been cleared, all known fallen trees obstructing navigation between Autherley Junction and Adderley Locks will have been removed.

We are also aware of two large fallen trees restricting the towpath near Bridge 3a and Bridge 17. In addition, several smaller fallen trees near Autherley Junction are currently restricting navigation. These issues will be prioritised for attention once full navigation has been restored.

Update 20 January 2026, 9:13am

Contractors remain on site removing the tree obstructing navigation at Bridge 9 in Brewood. We expect the obstruction to be cleared and navigation reopened later today. A final update will be issued once clearance has been confirmed.

Update 19 January 2026, 10am

Contractors have returned to site today to remove trees obstructing navigation at Bridge 9 in Brewood. We are aiming to have navigation reopened by the end of the day. A further update will be issued once clearance has been confirmed.

Update 16 January 2026, 5:40pm

Two contractor teams have been deployed on the Shropshire Union Canal today. However, further fallen trees have been identified following additional reports, and as a result this section will remain closed into the weekend.

We will provide a further update on Monday.

Update 15 January 2026, 4:55pm

Although the local team have successfully cleared multiple fallen trees today, a number of large trees remain obstructing navigation. These are beyond the capacity of the local team and will require contractors to attend.

We appreciate your patience while these matters are addressed and will provide a further update tomorrow. (16/01/26)

Original 14 January 2026, 3:08pm

A member of the local team has identified approximately ten fallen trees blocking navigation at various locations between Wheaton Aston and Autherley Junction. The local operations team will commence clearance works, and a further update will be provided tomorrow.

Storm Goretti has impacted a number of our waterways, resulting in a high volume of incidents. Our teams are prioritising safety and are working to clear obstructions and reopen affected routes as quickly as possible.

We appreciate your patience while these matters are addressed and will provide further updates as they become available.

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