OnTheCut

We're pleased to share a further update on the ongoing repairs following the breach on the Macclesfield Canal earlier this year. We've now successfully rebuilt the damaged embankment using compacted puddle clay and suitable excavated material. This is a significant milestone, as it restores the structural integrity of the canal and helps to ensure its long-term stability. Our teams are currently installing trench sheets along the towpath side of the canal. These metal sheet piles are being driven into the ground to reinforce the canal edge, providing additional support and protecting the embankment from future erosion. To confirm that we remain on track to reopen the canal to navigation on 25 June, provided no unforeseen issues arise. However, while navigation will resume, the towpath will need to remain closed for approximately one further week. This is to allow us to safely remove temporary access ramps, construction materials, and fencing that have been in place during the works. Keeping the towpath closed during this final phase helps protect public safety and ensures that the site can be cleared efficiently. Even after both the canal and towpath are fully reopened, you may still see our teams working in the area throughout July. These remaining tasks are part of our finishing works and include hedge planting, installing new boundary fencing, topsoiling, and repairs to the culvert headwall. We understand that these closures may have caused some disruption, and we're grateful for everyone's understanding, we look forward to welcoming boaters and towpath users back. Our next update will be on or before 24 June 2025

We would like to thank all our customers who contacted us to take part in the assisted passage yesterday between Bridge 26 and Bridge 27, Bollington. Navigation now remains closed as we continue to plan the repairs to the canal bed. Dams are being installed on Monday 9 June, following which we will carry out a fish rescue whilst we dewater the section to allow us to investigate and create a method of repair. We will be installing pumps to help maintain the water levels either side of the works. Whilst the towpath remains open, we advise all towpath users to pass the affected area with care and to listen to any guidance that may be provided onsite teams. A further update on progress made will be provided by Friday 13 June.

Our teams and contractors have been working over the past week to reduce the leak in the bed of the canal. While their efforts have been partially successful in slowing the flow of water, the leak has not been reduced enough to allow the canal to remain open. As a result, we will need to drain the affected section of the canal this week to allow our teams to carry out a more detailed inspection of the canal bed and develop a repair plan. We are doing everything we can to reopen the canal as quickly as possible. However, until the area is drained and fully assessed, we are unable to provide a timeline for the completion of repairs. On Wednesday 4th June, we will be facilitating a controlled passage through the affected area to assist boaters needing to return to their moorings or continue their journey, ahead of the dam installation later this week. If you wish to move through the area during this window, please contact our regional team by calling 03030 404040, selecting "Make a booking", followed by "North West", to be allocated a passage time. Our next update will be provided on or before Friday 6 June.

Yesterday, our team successfully worked to secure the stop planks at Bridges 26 and 27—a critical step in maintaining the safety and integrity of the canal. Today, our contractors have begun mobilising equipment and materials on site to progress with the repair works. We are doing everything possible to reopen the canal next week, or sooner if the repairs carried out today and tomorrow prove effective and hold successfully. A further update will be provided on or before Monday 2 June.

Our teams and engineers have been closely monitoring a leak near Bridge 26 on the Macclesfield Canal. As a precautionary measure, stop planks will be installed at Bridges 26 and 27 this afternoon. This will allow us to investigate the ongoing cause of the leak and plan for appropriate repairs. We kindly ask that any boats currently within this section of the canal make arrangements to leave the area as soon as possible. An update on the investigation and next steps will be provided on Thursday, 29 May. If you have any urgent questions or require assistance, please contact our regional team by selecting "North West" when calling 03030 404040. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.