OnTheCut

18 September 2025 at 10:00

Further to the notice below, please be advised that transit through Gloucester Dock is currently restricted to shallow-drafted vessels with a draft of 1.2 metres or less. Dredging operations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide regular updates regarding navigable depths.

We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.

You are welcome to contact us at [email protected] or 03030 404040 if you would like to discuss this information with a member of our Customer Service Team.

12 September 2025 at 08:54

Further to the notice below, please contact Gloucester Lock on 01452 310832 for guidance regarding air draft.

12 September 2025 at 08:49

Gloucester Lock Reopening Announcement

We are pleased to announce that Gloucester Lock will reopen for weekend passage only, starting Saturday 20th September with some restrictions in place.

Bridge Works & Air Draft Limitations

Urgent maintenance on the hydraulic rams of the Gloucester Lock lift bridge will begin on Monday 15th September resulting in a limited air draft until Saturday, 27th September.

Please contact the lock keeper for current river levels as this will dictate the air draft restriction.

Dredging Operations

A dredging barge is currently clearing silt from the navigation channel brought in during the recent drought period.

Mooring in Gloucester Docks is not permitted at this time, as dredging is required to ensure safe use.

Transit Guidance

Please transit directly between Llanthony Bridge and Gloucester Lock without stopping in the docks.

We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.

You are welcome to contact us at [email protected] or 03030 404040 if you would like to discuss this information with a member of our Customer Service Team.

29 August 2025 at 13:59

Further to the notice below, please be advised that Gloucester Lock remains closed due to low water levels in the ongoing drought conditions across the UK.

The River Severn continues to be lower than usual, and this causes larger than usual volumes of silt to be pumped in.

At this time, we are still unable to confirm when the lock will reopen.

Water levels are being closely monitored, and we will issue a further update on 11th September, or sooner if conditions improve.

Customers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and avoid Gloucester Lock until it is operational.

The canal remains open and navigable from Gloucester Docks to just above the low-level bridge at Sharpness.

Sharpness Port will continue to prioritise shipping to help preserve water levels, and leisure craft will be required to share transit through the port with ships.

Please contact Sharpness Pierhead on 01453 511968 to make arrangements.

Please be aware that ship movements are prioritised, and these temporary arrangements may lead to some delays.

Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated as we take essential steps to help preserve water levels in the canal.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period.

If you would like to discuss this information with a member of our Customer Service Team, please contact us at [email protected] or call 03030 404040.

7 August 2025 at 16:04

Please be advised that from Monday 11th August Gloucester Lock will be closed due to low water levels and continuing drought conditions across the UK, the River Severn has dropped to lower than usual levels.

At this time, we are unable to confirm when the lock will reopen.   Water levels are being monitored, and we will provide updates as soon as further information becomes available.   Customers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and avoid Gloucester Lock until the lock is operational.   The canal will remain open and navigable from Gloucester Docks to just above the low-level bridge at Sharpness.   Sharpness port will be prioritising shipping in order to preserve water levels and leisure craft will be required to share transit through the port with ships.   Please contact Sharpness Pierhead on 01453 511968 to make arrangements.   Please be aware that ship movements are prioritised and these temporary arrangements may lead to some delays.   Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated as we take essential steps to help preserve water levels in the canal.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this period.   

You are welcome to contact us at [email protected] or 03030 404040 if you would like to discuss this information with a member of our Customer Service Team.