Descriptions
Update 17 July 2026, 3pm
The team have attended site and have placed buoys close to the wall. The navigation section is open to passage but we will advise skippers of all crafts to navigate towards the towpath side away from the wall, to ensure safe boating.
Update 16 July 2026, 2:29pm
Location: Edwards Road Bridge 3
Navigation Affected: Rochdale Lock 1 to Salterhebble Top Lock
Status: Closed to Navigation
We are sorry to advise customers that the navigation between Rochdale Lock 1 and Salterhebble Top Lock remains closed following the collapse of a retaining wall adjacent to Edwards Road Bridge. At present, we do not have sufficient information to determine whether it is safe for boats to pass through this section of the navigation. As the safety of our customers, colleagues and volunteers is our highest priority, we have taken the decision to keep the navigation closed while further assessments are undertaken. A structural inspection of the collapsed wall took place on Thursday 16 July 2026, and we are currently awaiting our engineers' report and recommendations. Once this information has been received and reviewed, we will be in a better position to understand the extent of the damage and determine the safest way forward. In line with our Better Boating commitment to provide clear, accurate and timely information, we will provide a further update as soon as the engineers' report is available. We appreciate that unplanned closures can be disappointing and disruptive to your journey plans, and we thank you for your patience and understanding while we assess the situation. Taking a cautious approach now will help ensure that any future navigation through this area is safe for everyone. Further information will be provided as soon as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding. Canal & River Trust
Update 15 July 2026, 3:58pm
Location: Edwards Road Bridge 3
Navigation Affected: Rochdale Lock 1 to Salterhebble Top Lock
Status: Closed to Navigation
Date Issued: 15 July 2026
We are sorry to advise customers that the navigation between Rochdale Lock 1 and Salterhebble Top Lock is currently closed following the collapse of a retaining wall adjacent to Edwards Road Bridge. At present, we do not have sufficient information to determine whether it is safe for boats to pass through this section of the navigation. As the safety of our customers, colleagues and volunteers is our highest priority, we have taken the decision to close the navigation until further assessments can be completed. A structural inspection of the collapsed wall has been arranged for Thursday 16 July 2026. The findings from this inspection will help us understand the extent of the damage and determine the safest way forward. In line with our Better Boating commitment to provide clear, accurate and timely information, we will publish a further update by 5:00pm on Thursday 16 July 2026.
We appreciate that unplanned closures can be disappointing and disruptive to your journey plans, and we thank you for your patience and understanding while we assess the situation. Taking a cautious approach now will help ensure that any future navigation through this area is safe for everyone.
We will provide further information as soon as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding. Canal & River Trust
Original 15 July 2026, 3:52pm
Near Bridge 3
Location: Edwards Road Bridge 3
Navigation Affected: Rochdale Lock 1 to Salterhebble Top Lock
Status: Closed to Navigation
Date Issued: 15 July 2026
We are sorry to advise customers that the navigation between Rochdale Lock 1 and Salterhebble Top Lock is currently closed following the collapse of a retaining wall adjacent to Edwards Road Bridge. At present, we do not have sufficient information to determine whether it is safe for boats to pass through this section of the navigation. As the safety of our customers, colleagues and volunteers is our highest priority, we have taken the decision to close the navigation until further assessments can be completed. A structural inspection of the collapsed wall has been arranged for Thursday 16 July 2026. The findings from this inspection will help us understand the extent of the damage and determine the safest way forward. In line with our Better Boating commitment to provide clear, accurate and timely information, we will publish a further update by 5:00pm on Thursday 16 July 2026.
We appreciate that unplanned closures can be disappointing and disruptive to your journey plans, and we thank you for your patience and understanding while we assess the situation. Taking a cautious approach now will help ensure that any future navigation through this area is safe for everyone.
We will provide further information as soon as it becomes available. Thank you for your understanding. Canal & River Trust
