Waterway Notices / Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge
Towpath Closure beginning 17 June 2026 at 08:33 at 'Waterwitch' Footbridge.
This is a live notice. Please check the Canal & River Trust website for the latest information. View on Canal & River Trust website.
Summary
| Type | Towpath Closure |
| Start Date | 17 June 2026 at 08:33 |
| End Date | Ongoing |
| Start Location | 'Waterwitch' Footbridge |
| Ends Location | 'Waterwitch' Footbridge |
Updates
2 November 2026 at 15:11
Since our previous update, our team has now taken delivery of the materials required to carry out repairs to Bridge 98A.
However, the team has been delayed in attending the site due to other high priority jobs.
The canal remains open to navigation during this time. Navigation remains open, however, all boaters are politely requested to proceed through the affected area with caution and take extra care when navigating past the site and to follow any safety signage or instructions displayed.
A further update will be issued on or before Tuesday, 17 November 2026
20 October 2026 at 13:34
Following our previous update, the team are currently awaiting delivery of the materials needed to complete the works and once received, a date for the repairs will be scheduled.
The canal remains open to navigation during this time. Customers are asked to exercise caution when approaching the area and to follow any safety signage or instructions displayed on site.
A further update will be issued on or before Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
15 September 2026 at 14:33
Since our last update, our team has established a method of repair for the partial collapse of the walkway at Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge.
We are now working to arrange a date for the repairs to begin. However, before the works can take place, our team will need to complete the necessary training to safely carry out the repair.
The canal remains open to navigation. We ask all customers to take care when approaching the area and to follow any safety advice provided on site.
A further update will be provided on or before Tuesday, 20 October.
26 August 2026 at 14:15
Access to Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge on the Lancaster Canal, remains closed following a partial collapse of the walkway.
Repair works remain on hold while our team continue to focus on other essential works. We are also continuing to work with the relevant landowners to get the necessary permissions in place for repairs to start.
The canal remains open to navigation, but we ask all customers to take care when approaching the area and follow any safety advice provided on site.
A further update will be provided on or before Wednesday, 16 September.
13 August 2026 at 16:01
Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge on the Lancaster Canal, remains closed following a partial collapse of the walkway.
Repair works have been delayed while our team focuses on other priority works and we continue to seek the necessary permissions from the relevant landowners in readiness for the commencement of the repairs.
The canal remains open to navigation, but we ask all customers to take care when approaching the area and follow any safety advice provided on site.
A further update will be provided on or before Thursday 27 August.
23 July 2026 at 15:48
Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge on the Lancaster Canal, remains closed to all users due to a partial collapse of the walkway.
Our teams are continuing to work with specialist contractors and third-party landowners to obtain the necessary permissions. Once these are in place, we will be able to plan a date for the repair works to take place.
Whilst the canal will remain open to navigation, we ask all customers to approach the area with caution and listen to any advice given on site.
A further update will be provided on or before Thursday 13 August.
9 July 2026 at 13:03
Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge on the Lancaster Canal, remains closed to all users due to a partial collapse of the walkway.
Our teams are now working with the specialist contractors to schedule the required repair works however, a date has not yet been confirmed. Whilst the canal will remain open to navigation, we ask all customers to approach the area with caution and listen to any advice given on site.
An update will be provided on or before Thursday, 23 July.
25 June 2026 at 15:23
Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge on the Lancaster Canal, remains closed to all users due to a partial collapse of the walkway.
Our team is currently liaising with specialist contractors to arrange attendance to carry out the repairs to the bridge walkway.
Whilst the canal will remain open to navigation, we ask all customers to approach the area with caution and listen to any advice given on site.
An update will be provided on or before Thursday, 9 July.
17 June 2026 at 08:21
Bridge 98A, Waterwitch Footbridge on the Lancaster Canal, is closed to all users due to a partial collapse of the walkway.
Our teams have carried out an initial inspection and identified wood rot. A further site visit is required to assess the damage in more detail and develop a suitable repair plan.
Whilst the canal will remain open to navigation, we ask all customers to approach the area with caution and listen to any advice given on site.
An update will be provided on or before Thursday, 25 June.