Birstall Lock - River Soar

[Richard T]

Birstall Lock was subject to a one day stoppage today to investigate problems with the bottom gates. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/9825/birstall-lock

 

I have now been sent the following report of the findings of the investigation. These have to be confirmed by CRT but my source is very reliable:-

 

As you are aware, Birstall lock was closed today in order that investigations could be made regarding the condition of the bottom gates which were virtually impossible to close.

The findings of a diving team revealed that although there were no apparent problems with the nearside gate, it transpired that the floor underneath the offside lock gate pillar had crumbled. The gate was therefore gradually sinking into the bed of the canal causing the lock collar to bend and twist.

According to the engineers on site, this was the 'worst case situation' since this would involve a considerably long stoppage with the use of much' on site' heavy equipment.

The report of the diver's findings will be urgently considered because the gate could become unstable. No work was due to be performed on Birstall lock until 2018.

No doubt there will be further reports published by the CRT in due course.

'Radio Leicester' and 'The Leicester Mercury' were also in attendance.

This lock was getting harder to use over the summer and we would only use the nearside gate even with two boats. It now looks like a long stoppage is inevitable - watch this space for when.

I'm not certain if the lock re-opened today I guess it did but boaters beware the lock will be difficult to operate.

[ditchcrawler]

Surprised they havent locked that one gate off then

[matty40s]

 

Gate still available, not for much longer by the look of it though.

With the collapsing lock landing the other side of the bridge, this may end up being a Jan March emergency job.

[Naughty Cal]

Notice Alert

River Soar

Starts At: Lock 45 - Birstall Lock

Ends At: Lock 45 - Birstall Lock

Thursday 15 December 2016 until Friday 17 February 2017 23:59

Type: Navigation Restriction

Reason: Maintenance

Original message:

Due to a fault with the bottom offside gate, we have secured the gate in its closed position.

This is a temporary measure to keep the lock operational until the gate can be fully repaired.

As a result passage through the lock is restricted to a maximum craft width of 7’ 8”

Please enter or exit the lock using the towpath side bottom gate only.

You can view this notice and its map online here:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/9855/birstall-lock-

You can find all notices at the url below:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices

[Rickent]

We went through a couple of times over the summer and that gate was really difficult to open.

[Richard T]

Just an update on this planned stoppage for repair starts 20th February ends 6th March. Currently navigation restricted to narrowboats as the damaged gate is fixed shut.

[matty40s]

This stoppage now extended until 17th March as they have found a void underneath the lock base.

[mrsmelly]

I luuuurvvvvvv the Soar.

[Naughty Cal]

On 3/7/2017 at 11:09, mrsmelly said:

I luuuurvvvvvv the Soar.

Same here. 

After this years big trip to Scotland we are planning a more laid back main holiday next summer. It has been 8 years since we last visited the Soar so we are planning a couple of weeks chilling on the Trent and Soar, see if we can get a bit further up river this time.

[Richard T]

 

The stoppage is now extended until 27th March accordinging to a notice pinned to the safety rails.

 

Works were in progress today. The bottom of the lock has collapsed where the heel posts of the bottom gates are located. This left the gates gates hanging on their collars - seeMatty40s photo above. The ground in the are of the lock is not good - clay and gravels. CRT Kier and their grouting specialists are trying to stabilise the ground by injecting a tresin based compound - concrete would have to be pumped over 75m to get to the lock as thre is no road access to it. .Once the ground is stable and able to be load bearing the base of the lock can be re-instated and the gates re-hung.There are no plans to dredge the bottom of the lock despite it being full of junk!! We hope that the lock does open as predicted as we plan to go round the East Mids ring starting on 1st April.

 

In addition to the works on the locks a couple of trees have fallen across the adjacent back water. They will need removing as they will form a dam and a temporary bridge for the locals kis to play on!!

 

Edited March 12, 2017 by Richard T

[matty40s]

Bugger,,that means it's the long way round back to painting territory. 

Might have to give the move 3 days.

 

[matty40s]

Just had reliable confirmation that this lock has now re-opened.

The CRT website will be updated a week on Monday

[Richard T]

I can confirm that the lock has reopened. However the trees across the weir stream have not been removed - I don't think they are CRTs responsibility. If they are not moved they will form a rather nice adventure play ground - I was tempted to cross the river on them!! They will also soon collect debris and form a new weir.