Grand Union, Regent's and Hertford Union Canals

Detail

From Date: 16/09/2019 15:00

To Date: 25/09/2019 13:58 inclusive

Type: Navigation Closure

Reason: Water resources

Is the towpath closed? No

Location

Closest waterway: Regent's Canal

Starts at: Lock 1A, Hampstead Road Lock

Ends at: Lock 1B, Hampstead Road Lock

Updates

25/09/2019 13:58

The lock is now opened.

25/09/2019 13:58

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 10:52

Due to significant improvements with the water level, we have decided to open Kentish Town Lock and the Hanwell Flight to navigation from Monday - Friday between 10 am - 3 pm.

Our Operations Team is currently reviewing the situation and further updates will follow shortly.

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.