Boating along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

All the bridges on the canal are swing-bridges, built to allow the passage of large sea-going vessels.

The immense scale of these bridges means that some narrowboats can pass under them without the bridge actually being swung open. Typically, this applies at Sims Bridge, Rea Bridge and Sellars Bridge. The decision rests with the bridge-keeper, who will indicate his consent by using the traffic light signals and showing a green light.

The Boater's Code for the River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal is available from locks, bridges, and the British Waterways office at Gloucester Docks (enquiries.gloucester@britishwaterways.co.uk).

Traffic Lights

British Waterways South West has announced that the traffic lights system at the movable bridges on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal will be switched on again on Monday 2 March 2009.

1. Manned Bridges - A red or green signal light will be displayed.

Red – Stop. Do not proceed beyond the signal light.
Flashing Red - The bridge keeper is aware of your approach, you should wait for either a green or red signal light to be displayed and act accordingly.
Green – You may proceed if the way is clear.

In accordance with British Waterways’ bye-laws please follow directions given by the bridge keeper or other authorised BW officer.

2. Unmanned Bridges – No light will be displayed. Passage may be possible for some craft without the bridge being opened. You may proceed with caution at your own risk. If you need the bridge to be opened, please telephone the bridge keeper.

3. At all times you should proceed with caution when approaching and moving through bridge holes.

4. The international regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (‘Rules of the Road’) apply on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal; all skippers on the canal should be familiar with the “Rules” and comply with them. Particular attention should be given to Rule 9 – Narrow channels. Small craft should not impede the passage of larger vessels, as the larger vessels will be severely restricted in their ability to deviate from the course they are following and are likely to be difficult to control if they need to rapidly reduce speed or stop to avoid smaller craft. In fact large craft may not be able to stop in sufficient time to avoid smaller craft.

It is recommended that all boaters read “The Boater’s Handbook” produced jointly by British Waterways and the Environment Agency. This gives more comprehensive guidance on basic boat-handling and safety across the inland network. Download the Boater's Handbook. Copies are also available at BW offices.

This system only applies to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.

Opening hours for the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

From 23 March through to 3 November 2009 all the bridges on the River Servern and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal will be manned, with the exception of High Orchard Bridge and Netheridge Bridge, use of which must be booked in advance through Gloucester Lock (tel: 01452 310832/mob: 07717 681086).

The bridges will be manned at the following times on the following dates:

Contact numbers

Bridges marked with a * can also be contacted on VHF Channel 74.

• Gloucester Office: 01452 318000
• Llanthony Bridge: 01452 312143*
• Hempsted Bridge: 01452 521880*
• Sims Bridge: 01452 501994
• Rea Bridge: 01452 723638
• Sellars Bridge: 01452 720251*
• Parkend Bridge: 01452 720016
• Junction Bridge: 01452 740444*
• Whitminster Weir: 01452 740427
• Sandfield Bridge: 01452 740565
• Fretherne Bridge: 01452 740582
• Splatt Bridge: 01452 740578
• Cambridge Arms Bridge: 01453 890272
• Patch Bridge: 01453 890324*
• Purton Bridge: 01453 811384*

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.