Bridgewater Canal Breach Repair Moves into Contractor Procurement Phase

Survey and design work complete as the project progresses towards construction.

The Bridgewater Canal Company has confirmed further progress on the repair of the canal breach at Little Bollington, with survey and design work now complete and the project moving into the contractor procurement phase.

Since the breach in January 2025, extensive work has been undertaken to stabilise the canal and develop a safe, long-term solution to reinstate the embankment and restore navigation.

SLR Consulting, appointed as principal consultant, has now completed key design, environmental and ground investigation work, alongside the collection of pre-construction information required to inform the repair solution and enable suitable contractors to tender for the works.

The proposed works include the reconstruction of the canal embankment and associated infrastructure, replacement of the canal wall, installation of a new culvert and, once the permanent solution is in place, reflooding of the canal and removal of the temporary dams.

A competitive tender exercise is now underway.

Before construction can commence, the Bridgewater Canal Company is awaiting the completion of a number of important technical reviews and responses from statutory bodies and utility providers, including the Environment Agency, National Gas, Cadent Gas and United Utilities.

The team is working closely with all parties to progress these requirements. Once the outstanding information has been received and assessed, a contractor can be appointed and the construction programme confirmed.

As a result, works will commence slightly later than the previously anticipated August start date. The Bridgewater Canal Company remains committed to progressing the project as quickly as possible and are working closely with all parties to resolve the outstanding requirements, while ensuring the final solution is safe, robust and meets all necessary statutory and technical requirements.

Peter Parkinson, Managing Director of the Bridgewater Canal Company, said: “We recognise that the continued restriction is frustrating for boaters, local residents, businesses and everyone who uses and enjoys the canal.

“There has been a significant amount of work taking place behind the scenes and reaching the contractor procurement stage is another important milestone for the project. While we had hoped to begin construction in August, there are a number of technical and statutory requirements that need to be resolved before works can safely commence.

“Our focus remains on delivering a safe and robust long-term repair that restores navigation and protects this historic waterway for the future.

“I’d like to thank the National Trust, Environment Agency and United Utilities for their continued collaboration and support, and our boating community, local residents and businesses for their ongoing patience.”

The Bridgewater Canal Company continues to work collaboratively with the National Trust, Environment Agency, United Utilities and other stakeholders to resolve the outstanding matters.

A further update will be provided in mid-September, following the next stakeholder collaboration meeting.

For media enquiries, please contact: bridgewatercanal@peel.co.uk