OnTheCut

A restriction notice has been in place since October 2024 for passage of boats no wider than 6' 10'', due to bulging in the lock wall. At the narrowest points, the width of the lock measures 6' 11" meaning there is very little tolerance.

The lock has been surveyed several times and appears to be stable, but recent testing has raised a concern about the lock walls thickness which may impact stability. We now require a more invasive investigation I.e., digging down at the back of the wall. Until the exact construction is determined, our engineers will not be able to advise on the extent of the necessary repairs.

We plan to take the opportunity to carry out these investigative works and possible repairs at the same time as the stoppage at Lock 28, which also starts on 17th February. This is in order to minimise disruption, as we are very conscious of the impact of closing lock 58 for customers and local businesses. Once this work is undertaken, we will be in a much better position to advise what needs to happen next to return this lock to its original width.

Please note: Ascending the flight, the last winding hole is above Lock 23 – boats will not be able to turn around beyond this point.

We have completed initial surveys of the lock and are continuing our investigations to determine the best approach for a temporary repair. Our team will be on site again tomorrow to gather further information and ensure we can move forward with the necessary work.

Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve the situation.

Please note the lock will now be surveyed tomorrow (Wednesday 18th September.)

The lock will be surveyed tomorrow (Tuesday 17th September.)

Please be aware this may result in minor delays, as Contractors will be managing boat passage through the lock throughout the day.

Please be aware the narrowest width of the lock, where the brickwork is bulging, has been manually measured at <214cm (7ft). If your boat measures 213.4cm (7ft), it will get stuck. However, if your boat is 208.3cm (6'10"), you will be able to pass through. Please proceed cautiously and ensure that you raise your side fenders before entering the lock.

We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, but please be assured that we are doing everything we can to avoid a full closure. The lock will be laser scanned in the coming days to help our Engineers determine the best course of action, and we should be able to provide a further update once we have that information.

We've now heard back from our Engineers. Due to bulging and cracking in the lock chamber wall, there is a risk of boats becoming stuck. To address this, a temporary restriction to boat width of 2.06 meters has been put in place until further notice.

Our Engineers are conducting urgent surveys of the chamber and developing options to improve the available width.

If you have any enquiries or concerns, please contact us at enquiries.westmidlands@canalrivertrust.org.uk

We are pleased to say that the craft has been removed from the lock chamber and the canal is back open. Please be aware that if your craft is more the 6ft 10" wide then do not navigate through the lock. Engineers will be on site to survey the lock for any structural damage or potential movement of the walls. We update this notice once a full survey is carried out on the lock next week

We pleased to say that the craft has been removed from the lock chamber and the canal is back open. Please be aware that if your craft is more the 6ft 10" wide then do not navigate through the lock. Engineers will be on site to survey the lock for any structural damage or potential movement of the walls. We update this notice once a full survey is carried out on the lock next week.