Navigation Restriction - Nafford Lock UPDATE 14 May 2026
Navigation Restriction - Nafford Lock Update
Monday 13th April 2026 to estimated date Saturday 4th July 2026.
The Trust identified that Nafford Lock would not survive another season and therefore would require a full dewater and refurbishment. This assessment has been proved to be correct.
The Trust closed the lock on Monday 13th April 2026. As soon as we could following the winter floods.
From our records the last time that this lock was dewatered was in 1985 (41 years ago).
As the lock is on an island all equipment, excavators, pumps, generators, fencing, materials, concrete, fuel bowsers etc have to be delivered by boat. We have used nearly all the ANT fleet to achieve this, totalling eleven craft all having their part to play. This significantly increases the time to mobilise and set up the site.
We have undertaken all the temporary works to set up the site, unloading all the craft, installing pumps, fencing, generators etc.
We have installed both upstream and downstream dams and pumped down the lock.
We have cleaned out the lock removing approximately 8 tons of silt and debris and then jet washed the lock chamber and gates.
A full survey has been undertaken of the lock and unfortunately what has been found is considerably worse than had been anticipated.
Bottom Gates
- The gate heal posts have failed or are just failing.
- The heal post lock foundations have failed or are just failing.
- The gate sump concrete is significantly damaged.
- The cill has sustained damage in a number of places.
- Both gates need replating and refurbishing.
Top Gates.
- The gate heal posts are just failing.
- The heal post lock foundations are just failing.
- The cill is significantly damaged with the seal plate completely comprised.
- Both gates need re-plating and refurbishing.
The Lock Chamber
Generally in reasonable condition, however there are a number of areas where water is leaching from the top side through the chamber walls and there are sections of wall that need repair and rebuilding.
To fully refurbish the lock as detailed above will require all four gates being lifted out and repaired onsite, major foundation works at both ends of the lock as well as significant works on the lock chamber.
We are now at the end of week five since the closure. All parts required for the refurbishment have been designed, manufactured and delivered. Specialist contractors have been mobilised and have completed or are currently undertaking works on site.
Refurbishment works completed so far.
The Bottom gates have been craned out and are on the lock side being refurbished, it is estimated that they will be reinstalled next week.
The bottom gate foundations and sump have been excavated and replaced with reinforced concrete, mixed onsite, together with new gate bearing plates.
The chamber walls have been repaired and rebuilt. Currently a specialist contractor is injecting behind the chamber walls with a high performance resin to seal the chamber.
Once the bottom gates are reinstalled and the cill repaired we will then focus on the top gates and foundation.
It is estimated that we are about halfway through this major refurbishment project and therefore we expect the lock to be closed for about another six to seven weeks.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to your plans.
Please contact us at
Nafford Lock 13/05/2026
Previous Notice:
From: Monday 13th April 2026 until further notice (duration will depend on the extent of the works identified from the initial survey once the lock is dewatered).
The Trust has identified that Nafford Lock will not survive another season and requires a full dewater and underwater refurbishment.
With the last flood event occurring last weekend and high pressure bringing improved weather we have made the decision to instruct our contractor and place orders for the equipment required to undertake the dewatering of Nafford Lock and the initial temporary works. This will then allow us to survey the lock and develop a refurbishment schedule of works.
We have decided to leave the lock in operation over the Easter fortnight holiday to give boaters the opportunity to navigate the full river. Therefore we will close the lock on the following Monday after the holiday.
Once the temporary works, dewatering and survey have been undertaken we will then be able to update users with estimated timescales of the total works.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to your plans.
Click the link below for the full notice:
