Marple Locks Re-opening Delayed Further

A set-back to the work to re-build Lock 15 at Marple has led to the re-opening date being put back once again. The lock flight is now expected to re-open on May 25th.

The lock flight on the Peak Forest Canal has been closed since September due to serious subsidence at Lock 15, resulting in a narrowing of the lock chamber. As one side of the lock chamber was taken down to be reconstructed a series of unexpected problems arose.

The original completion date in March had to be put back when it was founds that stonework removed from the chamber wall was splitting and crumbling so that new stones had to be quarried.

It has now been discovered that the brick foundations of the chamber wall were in poor condition so that it would not be possible to construct the masonry wall on top. The brickwork had to be taken down to the invert to get a firm foundation.

The expected opening date of May 4th is no longer achievable and a revised schedule should see the navigation reopening on 25th May.

Thanks to Peter Stockdale for the following photographs.

Lock 15 as work starts on the re-building of the nearside chamber wall. Photo: Peter Stockdale

Newly-quarried stone arrives for the new chamber wall. Photo: Peter Stockdale

Photo: Peter Stockdale

Do-it yourself approach to Liverpool Canal Link

From Monday 16th April boaters visiting Liverpool will be able to "do it themselves". Improvements have been made to swing bridges and locks to allow self-operation by boaters.
• Bridge 9 at Wango Lane (Handcocks Bridge) is now boater-operated using a new push-button console. However, boaters should note that, because it is a busy road, it cannot be used during rush hours. The bridge will not operate between 7.30 and 9.30 am or between 2.00 and 6.00 pm.
• Bridge 6 at St Oswald's Lane (Netherton Bridge) is now boater-operated and has new landing stages to make this easier.
• Stanley Locks Branch is now boater operated, following improvements to paddles and the installation of a pontoon landing below the bottom lock.
• Princes Dock now has a pontoon landing making easier access to the lock for boater operation.

Liverpool Canal Link times of operation:
The Liverpool Canal Link between Salthouse Dock and the top of the Stanley Dock Branch will be available for operation:
• From the top of Stanley Dock Branch, heading into Liverpool, 1.00 to 4.00 pm (except Tuesdays).
• From Salthouse Dock, heading out of Liverpool, 8.00 to 9.30 am (except Tuesdays).

Booking is still required for the link and for a mooring in Salthouse Dock.
Booking your passages in and out of the Liverpool Canal Link and your mooring in Salthouse Dock can be made online by logging into your CRT account. (You will be charged an administration fee if you do not turn up and have not cancelled your booking.)

Information about the Liverpool Link, along with downloadable skipper's guides and other useful guidance, can be found here.