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All closures / Why they close / Emergency Services Incident
Emergency Services Incident
Unplanned closures filed this way: 8 in June to August 2026 against 5 a year earlier, within what chance produces; tested on its own, not among the trends page's findings. How a change is tested.
- On record
- 27 closures since May 2025
In force today
No closure filed this way is in force today.
By canal
19 canals have had a closure filed this way. A closure naming two canals counts on both.
| Canal | Closures |
|---|---|
| Grand Union Canal | 3 |
| Lee Navigation | 3 |
| Birmingham & Fazeley Canal | 2 |
| Trent & Mersey Canal | 2 |
| Walsall Canal | 2 |
| Worcester & Birmingham Canal | 2 |
| Coventry Canal | 1 |
| Hertford Union Canal | 1 |
| Leeds & Liverpool Canal | 1 |
| New Mainline | 1 |
| Northampton Arm (GU Canal) | 1 |
| Old Main Line | 1 |
Show 7 moreShow fewer
| Canal | Closures |
|---|---|
| Paddington Arm (Grand Union Canal) | 1 |
| Peak Forest Canal | 1 |
| Ripon Canal | 1 |
| River Witham | 1 |
| Sheffield & South Yorkshire Nav | 1 |
| Shropshire Union Canal | 1 |
| Staffordshire & Worcestershire Cnl | 1 |
Every closure on record
Showing 27 closures CRT filed as “Emergency Services Incident”.
Rank by
Population
4 closures are in neither group: 4 unplanned with no day in the cruising season since May 2025.
Status
Duration
Cause
Asset affected
Water problem
Unplanned failures naming one
CRT reason
Region
What these figures mean
- Population
- Which closures a figure counts. All closures is everything; Unplanned closure drops the works CRT flags as its winter programme and any day outside the cruising season (the Friday nearest 15 March to the Sunday before the first Monday in November). Scheduled work CRT does not flag as winter works still counts here. CRT Planned closure is the flagged winter programme alone.
- Defensible duration
- The days between a closure's start and its reopening date, counted only where the dates allow it. A cancelled notice, or one whose reopening precedes its start, has no defensible duration and is in no total.
- Closure-days
- One day on which one closure was in force. Two closures on the same day are two closure-days; where the question is how long a canal was actually disrupted, overlapping notices are unioned into single intervals. They are counted from 1 May 2025, when this archive begins: a closure that started earlier adds only its days since then, though its own row shows its whole length. Every figure and chart counts only the days inside the Period chosen above them.
- In force
- A closure is in a Period, and a day is one a closure affected, if it was in force at any time that day, including the morning it reopened. Closure-days measure how long, so they count whole days and not the reopening day: a closure can be in a Period and add no closure-day to it.
Closures in force each month
closures active during the monthCanals ranked by the season's closures
share of the period's cruising-season days up to today — a closure somewhere on a long canal is likelier, and does not mean the canal was impassableclosures in force on the period's cruising-season days — a longer canal has more to go wrong onWhere
closure-days by regionclosures by regionA region with more canal has more to go wrong on, so these totals partly measure its size. Regions compared by length of canal are on the Reliability page.
What causes them
closure-days by causeclosures by causeWhat fails
closure-days by assetclosures by assetWhat fails on a lock
closure-days by part — unplanned lock failures naming a partclosures by part — unplanned lock failures naming a partHow long they last
closures by full length, including any days before May 2025 — the bands are not equal in widthClosures
Emergency Services Incident - Ryders Green Lock Flight
Walsall CanalWest Midlands
3 days
From 6 October 2025
Reopened 9 October 2025
- Where
- Lock 1, Ryders Green Top Lock to Railway Bridge, Hempole Lane
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please note the towpath is also closed. We will re-open the navigation and the towpath as soon as we receive further guidance from the police.
Latest of 2 CRT updates, 7 October 2025.
Ryders Green Locks on the Walsall Canal
Walsall CanalWest Midlands
2 days
From 27 July 2025
Reopened 29 July 2025
- Where
- Lock 1, Ryders Green Top Lock to Lock 8, Ryders Green Bottom Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please be advised that the canal and towpath remains closed due to an ongoing incident being managed by the Fire Service. We continue to work closely with the emergency services and will reopen the canal as soon as we receive clearance from the Fire Service.
Latest of 2 CRT updates, 28 July 2025.
Boston Lock 4, Boston
River WithamEast Midlands
2 days
From 6 October 2025
Reopened 8 October 2025
- Where
- Lock 4, Boston Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
Boston Lock is currently closed due to a Police incident. We will update this Notice as soon as we have further information.
CRT's only update, 6 October 2025.
Wolverhampton Lock 16 to Lock 17
Old Main LineWest Midlands
2 days
From 21 March 2026
Reopened 23 March 2026
- Where
- Lock 17, Wolverhampton to Lock 16, Wolverhampton
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Other cause
- Asset
- Canal or river
We are currently awaiting our contractors to remove the vehicle between Lock 16 and Lock 17. Navigation remains closed until it has been removed. We will provide a further update on Wednesday 25 March.
Latest of 2 CRT updates, 23 March 2026.
Bridge 91,Marsh Lane to Bridge 92, Nantwich Junction Bridge
Shropshire Union CanalNorth West
1 day
From 1 August 2025
Reopened 2 August 2025
- Where
- Bridge 92, Nantwich Junction Bridge to Bridge 91, Marsh Lane
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please be advised navigation and towpath is closed between Bridge 91,Marsh Lane and Bridge 92, Nantwich Junction Bridge on the Shropshire Union Canal due to a police incident. A further update will be provided later this afternoon.
CRT's only update, 1 August 2025.
Lock17, Northampton Arm
Northampton Arm (GU Canal)East Midlands
1 day
From 4 August 2025
Reopened 5 August 2025
- Where
- Lock 17
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
Due to a police operation involving specialist divers on the River Nene. We will have to close lock 17on the Northampton Arm from Monday 4th August to Tuesday 5th August or until the police have finished their search.
CRT's only update, 4 August 2025.
Between Eastern portal (Welton End) of Braunston Tunnel and Lock 1 (Braunston)
Grand Union CanalEast Midlands
1 day
From 13 November 2025
Reopened 14 November 2025
- Where
- Lock 1, Braunston to Braunston Tunnel
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Due to an Emergency Service incident the navigation, tunnel and towpath are currently closed at Braunston. We don't yet have any indication of when we will be able to re-open. We will update this notice by tomorrow or sooner if we have further information.
CRT's only update, 13 November 2025.
Lock 27 Ebstree Lock, Staffs and Worcester Canal
Staffordshire & Worcestershire CnlWest Midlands
1 day
From 15 November 2025
Reopened 16 November 2025
- Where
- Lock 27 Ebstree Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Cause not stated
- Asset
- Lock
High voltage electricity Cables down across Lock. DO NOT APPROACH AS MAY STILL BE LIVE. Keep at least 50 metres back. Police and National Grid informed. Team on route to close towpath.
CRT's only update, 15 November 2025.
Lock 19, Hirst Lock
Leeds & Liverpool CanalYorkshire and North East
1 day
From 7 December 2025
Reopened 8 December 2025
- Where
- Lock 19, Hirst Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
Hirst Lock and the immediate surrounding area is currently closed due to an emergency services incident.
CRT's only update, 7 December 2025.
Hertford Union Canal
Hertford Union CanalLondon and South East
1 day
From 24 April 2026
Reopened 25 April 2026
- Where
- Stop Gates 1 to Accommodation Bridge 10
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please note that the Hertford Union Canal is closed to navigation whilst Emergency Services search for a body. To allow passage Commercial Road Lock will be left open over night. The team will review this tomorrow morning, Saturday the 25/04/26
CRT's only update, 24 April 2026.
CLOSURE - Swinton (Waddington) Lock to Sprotbrough Lock
Sheffield & South Yorkshire NavYorkshire and North East
1 day
From 1 June 2026
Reopened 2 June 2026
- Where
- Swinton (Waddington) Lock to Sprotbrough Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
The navigation is currently closed due to an ongoing police incident. We will update this notice once the police have advised that the navigation can be re-opened.
CRT's only update, 1 June 2026.
Navigation Closure - Lee Navigation, pound between Picketts Lock 15 and Ponders End Lock 14, Ponders End
Lee NavigationLondon and South East
1 day
From 30 July 2026
Reopened 31 July 2026
- Where
- Lock 15, Picketts Lock to Lock 14, Ponders End Lock, West Side
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please be advised the police have closed the pound between Picketts Lock and Ponders End Lock for forensic investigation. Navigation in this stretch will not be possible until this closure notice is lifted.
CRT's only update, 30 July 2026.
Lock 99, Clitheroes Lock - Closure due to Emergency services incident
Grand Union CanalLondon and South East
1 day
From 5 August 2026
Reopened 6 August 2026
- Where
- Lock 99, Clitheroes Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
There is a temporary restriction in place at Clitheroes Lock due to Emergency service attendance. We'll update this notice with more information once we've reviewed the situation.
CRT's only update, 5 August 2026.
Between Lock 10, Barton Lock and Lock 12, Alrewas Lock, Staffordshire
Trent & Mersey CanalWest Midlands
1 day
From 6 August 2026
Reopened 7 August 2026
- Where
- Lock 12, Alrewas Lock to Lock 10, Barton Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please be advised that the area affected by the navigation and towpath closure has now been changed to cover between Lock 10, Barton Lock and Lock 12, Alrewas Lock, Staffordshire.
Latest of 2 CRT updates, 6 August 2026.
Rhodesfield Lock to Canal Basin Ripon
Ripon CanalYorkshire and North East
1 day
From 13 September 2026
Reopened 14 September 2026
- Where
- Ripon Canal - 001 to Ripon Canal - 002
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
| | | --- | | Temporary Navigation Closure – Ripon Canal Sunday 13 September 2026 To ensure the safety of our customers, volunteers, staff and emergency services, navigation on the Ripon Canal is temporarily suspended between Rhodesfield Lock and Ripon Canal Basin with immediate…
CRT's only update, 13 September 2026.
Old Ford Lock (Lock 19) - Lee Navigation
Lee NavigationLondon and South East
same day
From 16 July 2025
Reopened 16 July 2025
- Where
- Lock 19, Old Ford Lock, Western Side
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
Please note Old Ford Lock (Lock 19) Lee Navigation l is currently closed due to a Police Incident
Latest of 2 CRT updates, 16 July 2025.
Stone Wharf Basin Bridge 88C, Hay Mills to Bridge No. 86A, Yardley Tunnel
Grand Union CanalWest Midlands
same day
From 19 July 2025
Reopened 19 July 2025
- Where
- Stone Wharf Basin Bridge 88C, Hay Mills to Bridge No. 86A, Yardley Tunnel
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Navigation and towpath closure between these two locations due to a police incident. Closure is for next 24 hours. No update or time frame given for re opening as of yet.
CRT's only update, 19 July 2025.
Lock 49
Trent & Mersey CanalNorth West
same day
From 8 October 2025
Reopened 8 October 2025
- Where
- Lk 49, Halls Lock - Towpath Side
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
Please be advised the navigation and towpath is closed at Lock 49 on the Trent & Mersey Canal due to a police incident. An update will be provided Thursday 9 October.
CRT's only update, 8 October 2025.
Lock 1 to Lock 16
Peak Forest CanalNorth West
same day
From 19 February 2026
Reopened 19 February 2026
- Where
- Lock 1 to Lock 16
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Broke, cause not given
- Asset
- Lock
Our local team will be onsite at Lock 4 carrying out essential repairs. Whilst these repairs will be taking place, navigation is closed between Locks 1 and 16, of the Marple Flight, on the Peak Forest Canal from 8am until 4pm on Thursday 19 February. We expect the work to be…
CRT's only update, 5 February 2026.
Black Prince Wharf Lock 23
Worcester & Birmingham CanalWest Midlands
same day
From 1 April 2026
Reopened 1 April 2026
- Where
- Lock 23
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
Due to an emergency incident at Black Prince Wharf, Lock 23, navigation is closed. Navigation will remain closed while we work with the emergency services. Further updates will be issued as soon as more information becomes available.
CRT's only update, 1 April 2026.
Breedon Cross Bridge 75, Lifford
Worcester & Birmingham CanalWest Midlands
same day
From 1 April 2026
Reopened 1 April 2026
- Where
- Breedon Cross Bridge 75
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
We have been alerted to a large fire in the vicinity of Breedon Cross Bridge 75 in the Lifford area near Kings Norton. Navigation is closed as there is significant smoke in the area. Further updates will be issued as soon as more information becomes available.
CRT's only update, 1 April 2026.
Electric Wharf, near Sandy Lane, Coventry
Coventry CanalWest Midlands
same day
From 3 June 2026
Reopened 3 June 2026
- Where
- Coventry Basin to Bridge 1A
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
We have been made aware of unexploded ordnance located adjacent to the Coventry Canal at Electric Wharf, near Sandy Lane. The What3Words is ///blows.eggs.purely. Emergency services have established a 100-metre safety cordon in the area. At the request of the emergency services…
CRT's only update, 3 June 2026.
Farmers Bridge Lock Flight
Birmingham & Fazeley CanalWest Midlands
same day
From 23 June 2026
Reopened 23 June 2026
- Where
- Farmers Bridge Lock 1, Top Lock to Farmers Bridge Lock 13, Bottom Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Farmers Bridge Lock Flight is currently closed due to a police incident below Lock 13. We will provide a further update as soon as we receive confirmation that the navigation has reopened.
CRT's only update, 23 June 2026.
Navigation Closure - Old River Lea, Between picketts and Ponders Lock. , ponders and pickett
Lee NavigationLondon and South East
same day
From 6 August 2026
Reopened 6 August 2026
- Where
- Water Point, Lock 15, Picketts Lock to Lock 14, Ponders End Lock, East Side
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Police divers in the water between Pickett's Lock and Ponder's Lock. For safety navigation is closed until 1600 today.
CRT's only update, 6 August 2026.
Between Brasshouse Lane Bridge and Roving Bridge, Bromford Junction, Smethwick
New MainlineWest Midlands
same day
From 12 August 2026
Reopened 12 August 2026
- Where
- Brasshouse Lane Bridge to Roving Bridge, Bromford Junction
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please be advised that the closure has been extended to Roving Bridge, Bromford Junction, BC-008-003.
Latest of 2 CRT updates, 12 August 2026.
Navigation Closure - Paddington Arm (Grand Union Canal), Hormead Wharf, Paddington
Paddington Arm (Grand Union Canal)London and South East
same day
From 4 September 2026
Reopened 4 September 2026
- Where
- Paddington Arm (Grand Union Canal) - 020
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Canal or river
Please note the canal is closed near Hormead Wharf to facilitate an investigation and ensure the safety of the divers whilst they are in the water. The Met Police Dive team are carrying out an investigation in the canal.
CRT's only update, 4 September 2026.
Farmers Bridge Lock Flight, Birmingham
Birmingham & Fazeley CanalWest Midlands
same day
From 21 September 2026
Reopened 21 September 2026
- Where
- Farmers Bridge Lock 1, Top Lock to Farmers Bridge Lock 13, Bottom Lock
- CRT reason
- Emergency Services Incident
- Cause
- Nothing failed
- Asset
- Lock
Navigation at Farmers Bridge Lock Flight has been closed due to an ongoing police incident. Navigation will remain closed until we receive confirmation from the police that it is safe to reopen. We will provide a further update and reopen the navigation as soon as more…
CRT's only update, 21 September 2026.
Showing the 27 longest of 27. Every row links to the notice CRT published.
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