OnTheCut

We are pleased to advise the repair work to Lock 73 has been successful and navigation has resumed between Lock 85, Bottom Lock and Lock 65, Top Lock of the Wigan Flight on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Please be advised, emergency repair works at Lock 73, Leeds and Liverpool canal, will now take longer than anticipated.

Due to the weather conditions over the past few weeks, the completion of the construction works have been delayed. The inclement weather has hindered the concreting process, which will require additional time for the concrete to properly cure. As a result, we are now planning for the navigation to reopen on February 23rd, 2024.

Our teams are working tirelessly to minimise this delay, We apologise for the disruption this additional extension may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding.

Please be advised, emergency repair works at Lock 73, Leeds and Liverpool canal, are progressing well however, the works will take longer than initially anticipated.

This is due to mobilisation constraints on the towpath side of the canal, we now need to create access to the lock from the offside. This requires a temporary ramp and canal access for safe removal of the concrete apron.

This change is necessary to avoid complications with the gas main on the towpath. Unfortunately, this adjustment has led to a delay in the repair timeline.

Our teams are working tirelessly to minimise this delay, with the current planned reopening now scheduled for 16th February 2024. We apologise for the disruption this short extension may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding.

Please be advised, following the recent inspections of Lock 73 on the Wigan Flight, we have found that the apron of the cill is fractured which will need to be removed and a replacement constructed, resulting in the need for an emergency closure along the Wigan Flight on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Due to the current work programme already occurring on the Wigan Flight, we are not able to complete these repairs at the same time, however works will start in the New Year following the Christmas break, offering an opportunity for navigation during this time.

These emergency works will take place from Tuesday 2 January 2024, till and inclusive of Friday 2 February 2024. Our teams will continue to monitor the situation during the open period.

Please note, to maintain the safety of our customers, access across the footbridge at Lock 73 will be closed for the duration of these works.

Please note, Lock 73 will be inspected during the planned closures along the Wigan Flight which start on Monday 13 November.