Navigation Closure: Lock 58, Tardebigge Top Lock, Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Updates

04/04/2025 11:23

We would like to update customers on the ongoing repair works at Tardebigge Top Lock.

We have started the initial phase of the works which is in the interests of safety. The lock has been dewatered and Kingspan blocks have been installed to support the failing wall.

Next week we will be creating an appropriate access/ compound area and constructing a temporary new pedestrian route along the offside of the lock. We will also be installing two pontoons across the canal so that the towpath can reopen again.

From 14th April we have an archaeologist on site who will be watching and inspecting the chamber wall as it is taken down. We are planning to reuse as many of the original bricks as possible, in addition to the coping stones. The Trust is working closely with the Bromsgrove and Redditch Council Conservation Team to finalise the restoration scope so we can gain Listed Building Consent. It is expected that we will be investing over £500,000 in this project.

The exact timeline for completion will be determined following dismantling and further investigations. The flight is anticipated to remain closed until the end of August.

Restoring the lock and reopening the canal and towpath is our priority. We appreciate your patience during this important project.

We will provide the next update on Thursday 17th April.

12/03/2025 09:26

Our further ground investigations at Lock 58 to understand the causes of the wall bulging have revealed that the wall is in very poor condition, with the risk of imminent collapse. We are now undertaking emergency work to stabilise the wall, after which we will carefully dismantle it for reconstruction.

The lock and surrounding area are Grade II listed, and we have received good cooperation from the conservation officer to date regarding the emergency works.

The navigation and towpath will remain closed until the repair work is completed. We will update this notice regularly and provide our boating customers with an indicative timeline for the works in our next update.

We realise that this is a significant inconvenience for boaters and businesses alike, and please be assured that resolving this issue is our absolute priority.

Description

A restriction notice has been in place since October 2024 for passage of boats no wider than 6' 10'', due to bulging in the lock wall. At the narrowest points, the width of the lock measures 6' 11" meaning there is very little tolerance.

The lock has been surveyed several times and appears to be stable, but recent testing has raised a concern about the lock walls thickness which may impact stability. We now require a more invasive investigation I.e., digging down at the back of the wall. Until the exact construction is determined, our engineers will not be able to advise on the extent of the necessary repairs.

We plan to take the opportunity to carry out these investigative works and possible repairs at the same time as the stoppage at Lock 28, which also starts on 17th February. This is in order to minimise disruption, as we are very conscious of the impact of closing lock 58 for customers and local businesses. Once this work is undertaken, we will be in a much better position to advise what needs to happen next to return this lock to its original width.

Please note: Ascending the flight, the last winding hole is above Lock 23 – boats will not be able to turn around beyond this point.