OnTheCut

We are currently in the final stages of planning the repairs for the Ribble sea gate. This work will include gate removal, seal replacement, and an overall system overhaul. Given that the gate has not been removed for over 20 years, we are also preparing for any additional work that may arise once the gate is removed. We expect these works to begin in early October, when the weather and tides are less suitable for boats traveling the link. The work is anticipated to take around 10 weeks to complete, during which time stop planks will remain in place.

We will provide confirmation of the start date in September when the final repair plans are complete.

Last weekend, we carried out our trial to get boats back across the Ribble Link so they can return to their home navigations. This trial was an important step in our efforts, but unfortunately, we experienced a breach on the embankment of the Lancaster Canal at Hollowforth Aqueduct. As a result, only one boat successfully made the journey to Preston Docks and then to Tarleton the following day.

We need to do some further work on the tide times before we take the next boaters across, but we are in contact with those who are able to navigate south of the breach. We are also reaching out to many of our customers who are on the wrong side of the breach site over the next few days.

Our specialist contractors are still working through the repair plans, which will be substantial and take many months to complete. The Ribble Link will remain closed for new bookings this year while our priority is to complete the significant repairs to both the sea tide lock and the breach.

We will provide a further update 21th August.

To follow our updates on the Lancaster Canal, Breach near Hollowforth Aqueduct. Click Here

Next weekend, our team will be be carrying out a trial to get boats back across the Ribble Link so they can return to their home navigations. This trial is an important step in our efforts to ensure safe and efficient navigation across the Ribble Link. Following this trial, we will be contacting all boaters with bookings to schedule their passage. Our plan consists of a two-day passage instead of the usual one-day passage. Our teams are currently analysing tide data to determine the optimal passage days.

The Ribble Link will remain closed for new bookings while our priority is to get our customer's home. The repairs will be on hold until the passages are complete because our specialist contractors need to create a temporary barrier to keep out tidal waters. Plans are currently being developed, and the gate will be removed for repair when the barrier is installed.

We would like to thank our boating customers for their patience and understanding.

If you have not already been in contact with our customer service team and need to move your boat off the Lancaster Canal, please contact our regional team on 03030 404040, selecting North West.

We will provide a further update on 30 July following the trial passage.

Due to the complex repair required and factors such as changing tides, our specialist contractors have scheduled additional site visits over the next couple of weeks. These visits will be used to conduct surveys and develop a repair method for the failed seal.

Our Customer Team will be in contact with all customers who have future bookings to discuss the status of their upcoming passages.

We will provide a further update on Tuesday 30 July.

Our team continue to liaise with specialist contractors to create a method of repair to the failed seal.

Currently we are unable to offer a down passage from the Lancaster to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal after considering tides having an impact on safety. However boats wishing to complete a down passage to return to a home mooring, please can you contact the regional team on 03030 404040 selecting North West.

We will be in contact with all customers who have future bookings to discuss the status of their upcoming passages.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their continued patience and understanding during these works.

We will provide a further update on Wednesday 10 July.

Our teams, alongside our specialist contractors, are currently developing a method to repair the seals. Due to the complex nature of the gate and tidal considerations, we are unable to provide a definitive start date for the repair works at this time. These repairs are intricate and require thorough planning.

Over the past week, we have been performing preliminary work to reduce leakage through the seal at a lower level. The next step involves testing with one of our work boats next week, which will allow us to determine if boats can travel safely.

We will be in contact with all customers who have bookings for next week to discuss the status of their upcoming passages.

We will provide a further update on 3 July.