Bridgewater Canal Breach Update – July 2025
Breach update – July 2025
We’re pleased to share that new timber stoplogs, which were imported from Scandinavia, have now been installed at Woodhouse underbridge on the north side of the breach, enabling the removal of the temporary Portadams. This is a robust medium-term solution that will stay in place until the breach is repaired, and the canal reopened.
An engineered earth dam will be installed to the south side of the breach, near Bollington underbridge. This is currently being designed by external consultant engineers and once installed, will ensure the canal is safe and secure on both sides of the breach. This will allow the temporary Portadams to be removed from this location and the repair works to safely commence in due course.
The temporary earth dam at School Lane, Dunham Massey, has been reopened for navigation, with the remaining spoil planned to be removed in the future.
As previously reported, we’re currently aiming to have the Bridgewater Canal fully reopened to navigation – including the Cheshire Ring – by December 2026. We are awaiting feedback from engineering consultants before a construction programme can be finalised.
To date, around £400,000 has been invested in stabilising and protecting the canal following the breach. We remain committed to keeping the community, our boating customers and all interested parties updated as plans start to develop.
We have requested that the consultant engineers produce plans, graphics and a repair timeline for future consultation and engagement events.
For questions or more information, please visit the Bridgewater Canal website or email bridgewatercanal@peel.co.uk. Thank you again to everyone for your ongoing patience and support.
Peter Parkinson
Managing Director – Bridgewater Canal
