Crofton Pumping Station & Locks 52, 55, 57, 60, 61, 64 & 65

We would like to advise our customers that the navigation is now open. There are some restrictions still in place that will affect moorings, towpath and facilities access. Please also note that due to water control measures, the navigation is currently only available from 09:30am to 15:30pm.

Please see below links to the notices for the above restrictions. All future updates will be published via these notices. 

Kennet & Avon Canal - Closed Facilities at Crofton Lock Flight, Lock 60 | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Kennet & Avon Canal - Crofton Lock Flight, between lock 60 and lock 61 | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Kennet & Avon Canal - Crofton Lock 58 / Bridge 101 to Crofton Lock 61 / Bridge 100 | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Kennet & Avon Canal - Crofton Lock Flight, Lock 60 | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Kennet & Avon Canal - from Wootton Rivers Lock 51 / Bridge 108 to Crofton Lock 61 / Bridge 100 | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

We are sorry to advise our customers that an extension is required to the ongoing works at Crofton pumping station. The works on site have been delayed due to the recent snow and having to carry out some additional pressure testing. After we have completed the pressure testing, this will allow for the completion of the repair works. The navigation is now due to reopen on 03/04/2023.

The towpath diversion currently in place between Lock 58 and Lock 61 will remain in place until June 2023. Localised access for boaters will be available for Locks 58 to 60 once the navigation is reopened on 03/04/2023 but the towpath will remain shut from Lock 60 to 61 and around the edge of Wilton Water. Diversion notes are in place. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.

We would like to advise our customers that an extension is required to this stoppage for the ongoing works at Crofton Pumping Station.

This is due to the condition of the existing waterway wall being in a much worse condition than expected, our excavations revealed that the wall has no footings. We have revised our works methodology to overcome this issue and this stoppage will be extended until 29/03/2023 to allow time for the extra works to be carried out. The navigation will remain closed from Lock 52, Heathy to Lock 65, Burnt Mill Lock. This is for water preservation purposes and to enable the works at Lock 60, Crofton to continue in a safe and controlled manner.

The towpath diversion currently in place between Lock 58 and Lock 61 will remain in place until June 2023. Localised access for boaters will be available for Locks 58 to 60 once the navigation is reopened on 29/03/2023 but the towpath will remain shut from Lock 60 to 61 and around the edge of Wilton Water. Diversion notes are in place.

We thank you for your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience this extension will cause.

We have been unable to make the new gate for lock 52 due to reduced manufacturing capacity this year when our Bradley workshop had to close for a period for essential repairs. The stoppage for the lock gate replacement at Lock 52 is no longer going ahead and will be deferred for a future year. #

This change won’t alter the overall stoppage on this navigation due to other works already taking place.

We would like to inform you that the towpath needs to be closed off for these works to be carried out 

A diversion will be in place for the half-mile stretch of the towpath that will be closed between Lock 58 and Lock 61 on the Crofton flight.

There will be local signage for the diversion route. 

A stoppage is required to carry out the following works:                                                                                                                                                                                            Lock 52 Heahty Lock - Replacement of the bottom lock gate and repairs to the offside top anchor point, waterway wall at the lock landing and quion offside.

Lock 55, Crofton Top Lock - Refitting of the top lock gate there is leakage present at the cills and between the gates.

Lock 57, Crofton - Top Gate repairs 

Crofton Pumping Station - Removal and replacement of the pipework and electrics which run under the canal. This work requires open-cut excavation of the canal bed. There will also be construction of a new inlet structure within Wilton Water replacement of penstocks and local brickwork repairs to the weirs.

Lock 60, Crofton - Bottom gate and quoin masonry.

Lock 61, Crossing Lock - Replacement of the top and bottom gates. Also masonry repairs in the chamber.

Lock 64, Church Lock - Top and Bottom gate reline repairs.

Lock 65, Bottom Gate - Bottom Gate refit.