Serious new delay to Bridgewater work

The planned stoppage on the Leigh Branch of the Bridgewater Canal has been delayed yet again and will now seriously encroach upon the boating 'season'.

Vicars Hall Bridge, roughly half way between Astley Green and Bridgewater Marina at Boothstown, is to be replaced and this will involve closing the canal to navigation.

It has just been announced that the stoppage will now run from 8.00 am on Monday 13th February 2017 until Friday 16th June.

This work, originally intended to be between October and February, has already been delayed twice (see details). This further delay looks set to be a major inconvenience to boaters heading to Liverpool or to the Ribble Link. It will also affect boaters from the Leeds and Liverpool hoping to travel south.

The towpath will be open but with a short diversion.

Update Wednesday 18th January:
Following representations from boating organisations, the dates have been modified and the stoppage should now run until Wednesday 24th May, although that cannot be guaranteed..

Note: Barton Swing Aqueduct will be closed between 13th and 27th March for its annual maintenance.

Vicars Hall Bridge, Bridgewater Canal