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Birkwood Lock - Divers on Site

Type: Navigation Closure

Waterway(s): Wakefield Branch (Aire & Calder)

From: 13 July 2026, 11:37am

To: 14 July 2026, 8am inclusive

Region: Yorkshire and North East

Reason: Repair

Location

Closest waterwayWakefield Branch (Aire & Calder)
Starts atLock 2, Birkwood Lock
Ends atLock 6, Woodnook Lock

Descriptions

Update 13 July 2026, 11:54am

Reissued due to administrative issue regarding the date tomorrow.

The lock will remain closed until 08:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 14th July, to ensure that the concrete used to repair the cill has set.

As part of our continued commitment to the Better Boating Plan, we will be carrying out essential underwater repair works at Birkwood Lock on Monday to improve the reliability and performance of the lock gates. Specialist commercial divers will be undertaking repairs to the lock cill beneath the water, helping to significantly reduce water leakage through the gates and improve the long-term operation of the lock. These proactive maintenance works are designed to enhance the resilience of the navigation, reduce the likelihood of unplanned disruptions, and provide a better experience for boaters using the Air & Calder Navigation. We appreciate your patience while these important improvements are carried out and thank you for supporting our efforts to deliver safer, more reliable waterways for everyone. This investment supports our Better Boating Plan, ensuring we continue to improve our infrastructure and provide a more dependable navigation network for customers now and in the future.

Original 13 July 2026, 11:36am

The lock will remain closed until 08:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 15th July, to ensure that the concrete used to repair the cill has set.

As part of our continued commitment to the Better Boating Plan, we will be carrying out essential underwater repair works at Birkwood Lock on Monday to improve the reliability and performance of the lock gates. Specialist commercial divers will be undertaking repairs to the lock cill beneath the water, helping to significantly reduce water leakage through the gates and improve the long-term operation of the lock. These proactive maintenance works are designed to enhance the resilience of the navigation, reduce the likelihood of unplanned disruptions, and provide a better experience for boaters using the Air & Calder Navigation. We appreciate your patience while these important improvements are carried out and thank you for supporting our efforts to deliver safer, more reliable waterways for everyone. This investment supports our Better Boating Plan, ensuring we continue to improve our infrastructure and provide a more dependable navigation network for customers now and in the future.  

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