Restrictions on Rochdale Nine

British Waterways have warned that work to be carried out on the "Rochdale Nine" in Manchester will result in restricted opening hours for two weeks.

The work will affect Locks 86 and 87 of the Rochdale Canal, alongside Canal Street in Manchester.

On alternate days these locks will not be open until 3.00 pm. On the other days the locks will be open from 8.00 am. The locks will close at 8.00 pm each day.

BW staff will assist boaters through these two locks as access will be restricted.

The restrictions will apply from Wednesday 10th August and continue for up to ten days, until work is completed. The restrictions will not apply at weekends.

The opening hours for Locks 86 and 87 are expected to be:
 •   Wednesday 10th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
 •   Thursday 11th August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
 •   Friday 12th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Saturday 13th August - no restriction
Sunday 14th August - no restriction
 •   Monday 15th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
 •   Tuesday 16th August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
 •   Wednesday 17th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
 •   Thursday 18th August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
 •   Friday 19th August - open 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Saturday 20th August - no restriction
Sunday 21st August - no restriction
 •   Monday 23rd August - open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm

Please look for local notices or check with BW if you may be affected by the late opening. Pennine Waterways website has no control over any changes to the announced plan.

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

Update 10th August:
British Waterways has offered additional advice to boaters.
On Friday 12th, Monday 15th, Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th August, boaters wishing to use the 'Rochdale Nine' should arrive at either Lock 84 (at Dale Street) or Lock 91 (at Castlefield) by 1.30 pm to reach the restricted section by the time it re-opens and to ensure safe passage of the flight. Arrival at these points after 1.30 pm on these dates will mean that passage will not be possible until the following day and you are advised to find a safe mooring away from the flight.

On all other dates including Saturday and Sunday (13th & 14th) the canal will remain open normally (i.e. from 8.00 am).

BW's recommendation to be clear of the 'Rochdale Nine' flight by 4.00 pm each day still applies but will be reviewed in the event of any further civil disturbance in the city.

Update 12th August: Important!
British Waterways has now changed the above advice. It would appear that the restrictions now also apply on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th August in addition to the dates shown above.

In other words, restricted passage through these locks will apply each day next week, Monday 15th to Friday 19th August inclusive.

If you are intending to go through the 'Rochdale Nine' locks next week, please phone BW on 01782 785703 to arrange assisted passage.


Lock 86, Rochdale Canal