Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

Preston Brook Tunnel

Type: Navigation Restriction

Waterway(s): Trent & Mersey Canal

From: 27 April 2026, 6pm

To: 1 May 2026, 4pm inclusive

Region: North West

Reason: Inspections

Location

Closest waterwayTrent & Mersey Canal
Starts atPreston Brook Tunnel
Ends atPreston Brook Tunnel

Descriptions

Update 30 April 2026, 10:49am

Please be advised that, as part of the ongoing inspection at Preston Brook Tunnel, some limited additional survey activity may be required at times to complete the works.

On Friday 1 May, survey work may be required at times during daytime hours at both tunnel entrances. The tunnel will remain open to navigation and, in most cases, boats are expected to pass through as normal. If any delays are required, these are expected to be no more than up to one hour, although delays are unlikely. A small risk of short‑term waiting remains should any unforeseen issues arise during the works.

This requirement was identified following a review of the remaining survey activities, which were originally expected to be completed entirely during night‑time working hours.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and cooperation while we complete this important survey safely and effectively.

Update 23 April 2026, 1:28pm

Please be advised that these works have been rescheduled by one week due to the late availability of a specialist piece of scanning equipment required for the inspection. This equipment is unique within the UK and is essential for obtaining the high‑quality technical data needed to assess the tunnel's condition.

The works will now take place from the evening of Monday 27 April until the morning of Friday 1 May. As previously planned, the tunnel will be closed to navigation overnight between 6pm and 6am, and open as normal during daytime hours.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this change and thank you for your understanding while we complete this important survey safely and effectively.

Original 4 March 2026, 1:42pm

Essential survey works are scheduled to take place at Preston Brook Tunnel to assess the condition of the structure and gather detailed technical information.

To undertake this work safely, the tunnel will be closed to navigation overnight from 6pm to 6am, starting 20 April and reopening on the morning of 24 April. Navigation will remain open as normal during daytime hours.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while this important work is carried out.

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our newsletter and discover how we protect canals and help nature thrive