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The charity making life better by water

Lock 2 Smethwick, Old Main Line

Starts: 8 September 2022 12:00 am

Ends: 14 April 2023 04:00 pm inclusive

Type: Navigation Closure

Reason: Structure failure

Is the towpath closed? No

Location

Closest waterwayOld Main Line
Starts atLock 2, Smethwick
Ends atSpon Lane Roadbridge
Upstream winding holeBromford Junction
Downstream winding holeSmethwick Junction

Updates

03/04/2023 10:08

We're pleased to announce that works are starting today 3rd April to replace the top lock gate and get the lock back in full working order at Smethwick. We look forward to welcoming boats back through this popular stretch of the Old Main Line from Friday 14th April. Thank you for bearing with us while we created the new lock gate and finished our planned winter works.

27/01/2023 15:31

Until works are complete at Spon Lane locks on Monday 30th January, please refrain from using the diversion route via Spon Lane Locks. The notice for these works can be found here:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/22179-spon-lane-locks-bailey-bridge

For Lock 2 Smethwick, we are actively planning works and dates will be released in a few weeks.

23/12/2022 14:00

Replacing the gate here, and getting the Old Main Line reopened to navigation, is a priority for us. The timing of the failure meant we weren't able to secure a new gate in time for delivery as part of our winter works programme, but it is in our plan to deliver the works in the spring. A further update will be provided on the project, including potential dates, before the end of January.

Description

The heel post on lock 2 Smethwick has failed and has left the gate inoperable, our rapid response team have been mobilised to look at repair.

There is a diversion via Bromford Junction on the New Main Line Canal and Spon Lane Locks on the Old Main line canal for those boaters wishing to access the Old Main line Canal via Oldbury

photo of a location on the canals
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