Winter stoppage notices

Each winter, when fewer boats are cruising our waterways, we usually carry out essential repairs and maintenance. In many cases we need to close the waterway completely, and sometimes even the towpath.

We also work with third-party companies, such as Network Rail & HS2, to enable them to carry out their own works during the winter period, where these affect our canals and rivers.

We will be publishing our proposed works in 2 stages to ensure a more accurate programme of works is published. Therefore, during this first phase of public consultation you may notice that the list is smaller than usual. This is because we have been carrying out in depth reviews of each stoppage and how confident we are in delivering these works based on budget, approvals and resource. The stoppages in the list below containing 96 are confirmed as going ahead following our assessments.

We have a further 55 stoppages that we are continuing to review and these will be included in the second phase of public consultation.

By adopting this way of reviewing our winter works and only publishing stoppages that have been thoroughly reviewed, this should reduce the amount of change after the intensive maintenance period has gone live and in turn allow customers to plan their journeys around our planned winter programme with more confidence.

Asking your opinion

Before we carry out our winter works programme, we like to consult the people who use our waterways to make sure our intensive maintenance period cause as little disruption as possible. This public consultation process begins in early May when we publish the first draft of the winter programme.

Please remember that any planned works are still subject to change, but we will update the draft notices if our plans change.

Watch this space!

How to search and comment on winter stoppages

Have a look at the list or map below to find closures in a particular area. Alternatively, you can enter the first two letters of a particular waterway to see the relevant works.

By clicking on the "Read more" button you can download an individual works notice. At the bottom of the notice is an online form where you can post your comments.

Please comment on as many of the works as you like, as we want to hear what you think.

Public consultation schedule 2024

13^th May - draft notices published for public to comment on

3^rd June - deadline for submitting comments (first round)

1^st July - revised notices published for public to comment on

26^th July - deadline for submitting comments (second round)

12^th August - final winter maintenance programme published.