Width Restriction at Marple Locks

CRT has imposed a new width restriction at Marple Locks on the Peak Forest Canal after a boat jammed in a lock. Boats over 6ft 10 in will not be allowed to pass through the lock flight.

The day after Marple Locks re-opened after an eight month stoppage to re-build Lock 15, a boat became stuck in Lock 11. There are fears that there has been some movement of the lock structure causing the lock chamber to narrow, as had happened at Lock 15.

At the moment passage for boats not exceeding 6ft 10in is safe but passage through the lock is being supervised by CRT staff. Therefore the locks are only open for passage between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm.

It would appear that the coping Stones on Lock 11 are moving inwards, creating a pinch point. Engineers will be assessing the lock to check for any ongoing movement and whether it is possible to carry out minor repairs, such as jacking the coping stones out, or whether major work is required as at Lock 15. Vehicle access to Lock 11 would be much more difficult than at Lock 15.

Most narrowboats will be unaffected by the width restriction but it will mean that many heritage boats will not be able to use this route.

Update 30th May:
Because of continuing difficulties with Lock 11, CRT will be carrying out emergency work on the lock tomorrow (Thursday 31st May). Passage through Lock 11 will only be possible between 11.00 am and 1.30 pm on this day. The previous hours of operation (10.00am to 4.00pm) will resume on Friday 1st June.

Update 4th June:
In view of continuing problems with Lock 11, Marple Locks have been closed again. Follow this link for more information.

Lock 11 at Marple