Boater Damage Shuts Rochdale Canal For One Week

The Rochdale Canal looks set to be closed for a week at Sowerby Bridge after a lock gate was damaged by a boat.

Inattention from a boater resulted in the boat lifting the towpath side head gate out of its pot, making the lock inoperable.

British Waterways staff were on site this morning and had been hoping to have the lock open by mid-day, minimising disruption to boaters booked to use Tuel Lane Lock.

However, investigations revealed damage to the bottom of the displaced lock gate and the cill. These works will take approximately one week to carry out safely as the cill will have to be reconstructed.

This stoppage will affect boaters navigating the South Pennine Ring. It is a further blow to canal users in the area after water shortage forced severe restrictions in the use of Tuel Lane Lock.

Any enquiries about this should be made to British Waterways on 01782 785703.

It is expected that the canal will remain closed until Thursday 19th May. British Waterways will issue an update on progress on Monday 16th May.

Update Thursday 19th May:
The damage to the locks is more extensive than originally thought, resulting in delay of opening until 1.00 pm on Saturday 21st May.

Update Friday 20th May:
Lock 1 will reopen for navigation at 8.00 am on Monday 23rd May.

Update Monday 23rd May:
Lock 1 is now open for navigation. Restrictions on passage through Tuel Lane Lock announced earlier in May will apply, with advance booking required.


Pound above Lock 1, Rochdale Canal