Grand Union, Regent's and Hertford Union Canals

Detail

From Date: 16/09/2019 15:00

To Date: 25/09/2019 14:00 inclusive

Type: Navigation Closure

Reason: Water resources

Is the towpath closed? No

Intersection of

Closest waterway: Grand Union Canal

Starts at: Lock 90, Norwood Top Lock

Ends at: Lock 90, Norwood Top Lock

AND

Closest waterway: Hertford Union Canal

Starts at: Lock 1, Top Lock

Ends at: Lock 1, Top Lock

Updates

25/09/2019 14:00

The locks are now opened.

25/09/2019 14:00

Water levels on the London canal network have started to recover due to the measures taken by the Canal and River Trust and the recent wet weather.

Although water levels have not fully recovered, we understand the extended navigational restriction is causing issues on the network. As a result, we are re-opening all of the currently closed locks today. We will reassess water levels daily, and if water levels start to drop, we may need additional closures at the weekend.

We would advise anyone that has to move, do so before Friday, in case closures need to be reinstated. For more information and assistance, please contact our Customer Service Team on 03030 404040.

19/09/2019 15:04

Update - Due to significant improvement with the water level, Hanwell Flight and Kentish Town Lock are now open to navigation between 10 am - 3 pm, Monday - Friday.

Thanks for your patience and for more information, please contact our Customer Support Team on 03030 404040.

Description

Following the long period of mainly dry weather, flows of water from the river tributaries that feed the Grand Union Canal remain low.  This is having a direct impact on the water levels on the Paddington Arm, the Regent’s Canal, and the Herford Union Canal.  Our water management team has also recorded that water is frequently being run through locks, including Hampstead Rd, overnight which is further depleting the water supply.  This means that currently there isn’t enough water in central London for navigation.

We have therefore taken the difficult decision to temporarily close navigation so that water levels can return to normal.

The following locks will be closed from Monday 16 September 2019:

  • Grand Union - Lock 90 Top Lock only.
  • Regent’s - Hampstead Rd Lock 1A and 1B
  • Regent’s – Kentish Town Lock 3
  • Regent’s – Mile End Lock 9
  • Hertford Union – Lock 1

We are monitoring the situation constantly and will reopen the locks as soon as practically possible.  Our aim is to strike a balance between making the waterways as accessible as possible for boaters while mitigating against future risk and we appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time.  

Contact us on 0303 040 4040 for local updates and further information or to report the unauthorised use of lock paddles.