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Bridge 5A To Bridge 6

Type: Navigation Restriction

Waterway(s): Leigh Branch (L&L Canal)

From: 5 June 2026, 3:02pm

To: On-going

Region: North West

Reason: Maintenance

Subject to review on: 8 October 2026

Location

Closest waterwayLeigh Branch (L&L Canal)
Starts atBridge 5, Smiths Bridge
Ends atBridge 6, Gerrards Br.

Descriptions

Update 22 September 2026, 11:29am

Since our last update, our surveying contractor is now monitoring the ground levels on a weekly basis, with the local team also carrying out daily site checks to identify any changes in ground conditions.

Our engineers have been working closely with our ground investigation contractors discussing plans for their investigation works which are due to commence in early October.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely ask all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care. Please proceed at a very slow speed, with engines at idle, when passing through the affected area.

Please note that the winding hole remains temporarily unavailable while these works are ongoing.

A further update will be provided on or before Thursday, 8 October.

Update 7 September 2026, 2:47pm

From our last update, our surveying contractor continues to carry out monitoring of the ground levels twice weekly, supported by regular inspections from our team. The results of this monitoring are being closely reviewed.

We are also progressing with the plans for a Ground Investigation, which is expected to commence in the next coming weeks. The investigation will provide us with more information about the cause and extent of the issue, helping us determine the most suitable long-term solution and any repairs that may be required.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily unavailable while this work is ongoing.

A further update will be provided on or before Tuesday, 22 September.

Update 10 August 2026, 11:46am

Navigation remains restricted between Bridge 5A and Bridge 6 on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to subsidence on the towpath side.

Detailed level monitoring by our surveying contractor is continuing twice weekly, alongside regular inspections by Canal & River Trust staff.

A ground investigation is scheduled to commence within the next month. The findings will provide further information to help determine the most appropriate course of action and any necessary repair works.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily unavailable while this work is ongoing.

A further update will be provided on or before Monday, 7 September.

Update 27 July 2026, 3:53pm

Navigation remains restricted between Bridge 5A and Bridge 6 on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to subsidence on the towpath side.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the subsidence and assess any ground movement, with surveys being undertaken twice a week. During this period, our engineers will continue to closely monitor the site and review the results of the surveys.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily unavailable while this work is ongoing.

A further update will be provided on or before Monday, 10 August.    

Update 13 July 2026, 2:18pm

Navigation remains restricted between Bridge 5A and Bridge 6 on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to subsidence on the towpath side.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the subsidence and assess any ground movement, with surveys being undertaken twice a week. During this period, our engineers will continue to closely monitor the site and review the results of the surveys.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily unavailable while this work is ongoing.

A further update will be provided on or before Monday, 27 July.

Update 29 June 2026, 3:29pm

Navigation remains restricted between Bridge 5A and Bridge 6 on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to subsidence on the towpath side.

Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the subsidence and assess any ground movement, with surveying due to commence next week. During this period, our engineers will continue to closely monitor the site.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily unavailable while this work is ongoing.

A further update will be provided on or before Monday, 13 July.

Update 15 June 2026, 3:17pm

Navigation remains restricted between Bridge 5A and Bridge 6 on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to subsidence on the towpath side of the canal.

Further investigations are required to establish the cause of the subsidence and any ground movement. This includes surveying the area, checking the canal bed, and carrying out ground assessments.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily unavailable while this work is ongoing.

A further update will be provided on or before Monday, 29 June.

Update 8 June 2026, 2:11pm

Navigation remains restricted between Bridge 5A and Bridge 6 on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to subsidence on the towpath side of the canal.

Our engineers are currently on site carrying out investigations to determine the cause and identify an appropriate method of repair.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily out of use during this time.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience while this situation is being monitored.

A further update will be provided on or before Monday,15 June.

Original 5 June 2026, 3:01pm

Navigation is currently restricted between Bridge 5A and Bridge 6 on the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal due to subsidence on the towpath side of the canal.

Whilst navigation remains open, we politely request all customers to navigate through the area with extreme care, proceeding at very slow speed with engines on idle when passing.

Please note that the winding hole is temporarily out of use during this time.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience while this situation is being monitored.

A further update will be provided on or before Monday, 8 June.

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