OnTheCut

The chamber brick wall is now more than 2.5 metres deep, and work is progressing well. The Listed Building Consent application has been submitted to the council, and we are hopeful for approval by 3rd June. We remain on schedule and still plan to reopen the navigation in August 2025. We will provide another update on or before Friday 23rd May.

The chamber brick wall has now been excavated to a depth of nearly two metres, and temporary works have been installed to secure the back wall in place. The Conservation Officer from the council has visited again and is pleased with the progress. The Listed Building Consent application will be submitted to the council tomorrow (30/04/25). It is anticipated that the approval process will take approximately six weeks. We will provide another update on or before Friday 9th May. This notice was originally posted on an old system which has now been upgraded, the original description and latest update have been transferred here. To view any historical updates related to this notice, please click [here](https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/30815-navigation-closure-lock-58-tardebigge-top-lock-worcester-birmingham-canal).

A restriction notice has been in place since October 2024 for passage of boats no wider than 6' 10'', due to bulging in the lock wall. At the narrowest points, the width of the lock measures 6' 11" meaning there is very little tolerance. The lock has been surveyed several times and appears to be stable, but recent testing has raised a concern about the lock walls thickness which may impact stability. We now require a more invasive investigation I.e., digging down at the back of the wall. Until the exact construction is determined, our engineers will not be able to advise on the extent of the necessary repairs. We plan to take the opportunity to carry out these investigative works and possible repairs at the same time as the stoppage at Lock 28, which also starts on 17th February. This is in order to minimise disruption, as we are very conscious of the impact of closing lock 58 for customers and local businesses. Once this work is undertaken, we will be in a much better position to advise what needs to happen next to return this lock to its original width. Please note: Ascending the flight, the last winding hole is above Lock 23 -- boats will not be able to turn around beyond this point.