Silt Discharge closes Rochdale Canal

Two unexpected stoppages have closed the Rochdale Canal between Manchester and Rochdale until the end of March.

An unauthorised discharge of silt through a drainage outlet has blocked the Rochdale Canal to navigation near Gorrels Way Bridge, between Rochdale and Castleton. BW is currently in discussions with the 3rd party to arrange to have the obstruction removed to allow boat movement. The canal is closed between Locks 50 and 51.

This stoppage is currently expected to last until Friday 30th March.

During this period an additional stoppage will take place at Lock 81, Butler Lane Lock, Ancoats. Between Monday 5th and Friday 16th March, the lock chamber will be de-watered in order to install a grout curtain behind the lock chamber walls to prevent leaking. The canal will be closed between New Islington and Lock 65 at Failsworth during this time.

These stoppages will not affect the Rochdale Nine locks through Central Manchester, where an existing stoppage at Lock 86, Chorlton Street, is expected to end on Friday 9th March.

Update: 29th March:
This stoppage is now expected to last until Friday 6th April.

Update: 4th April:
The navigation will re-open today at 5.00 pm.


Gorrels Way Bridge, near the site of the silt discharge.

Pollution shuts Peak Forest again

The Lower Peak Forest Canal has been closed at Woodley following another pollution incident.

A milky substance is covering the surface of the canal near Bridge 12, north of Woodley Tunnel. The canal has been closed between Bridge 10 and Bridge 12 until the evening of Monday 20th February. British Waterways are in consultation with the Environment Agency to arrange a clean up of the area.

The pollution was spotted by "Tameside Citizen" who took a video of the scene, which can be viewed here.

The Lower Peak Forest Canal was closed for a month following a serious pollution incident in Hyde in March 2009.

Update Monday 20th February:
BW says that the clean up of the area is taking longer than originally expected, therefore this stoppage has had to be extended for 24 hours (i.e. until the evening of Tuesday 21st February).


Screenshot of video by Tameside Citizen (see link above)

Diggle Open Day Changed

The date of the "Open Day" to be held at Lock 31w, off Ward Lane in Diggle, has been changed.

Originally planned for 20th February, the event will now take place on Monday 12th March, between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.

British Waterways offers you the opportunity to have a "behind the scenes" look and see at close hand the work involved in replacing gates and other work that has to be carried out and talk with some of BW's experts about their work.

Parking is available in Ward Lane, which is off Huddersfield Road in Diggle, near the Hanging Gate pub.


Lock 31w, Diggle

Bridge Restrictions at Lymm

Boaters using the Bridgewater Canal are warned of restricted times for boat passage through Lymm Bridge.

The restrictions will be from Monday 13th February until Friday 23rd March and will apply on Mondays to Fridays only. During those restrictions, Lymm Bridge will be closed to navigation from 08.30 until 13.30 and from 14.00 until 18.30 each day, to allow work on the bridge to be carried out by Warrington Council.

The bridge will be open to navigation all day on Saturdays and Sundays, although boaters should take care when passing through the bridge and comply with any signs.

The towpath through the bridge may be closed during these works and a diversion will be signposted.


Lymm Bridge on the Bridgewater Canal

Ice Closes Barton

Barton Swing Aqueduct on the Bridgewater Canal is currently closed due to ice.

The Bridgewater Canal Company has advised boaters that Barton Aqueduct will remain closed until Monday 6th February.


Barton Aqueduct