New year, new locks

This major investment is needed to help maintain the historic canal, which in 2010 will be celebrating its bicentenary.

Mark Stephens, British Waterways’ waterway manager for the Kennet & Avon Canal said: “It’s fantastic to see this unique heritage structure receiving some special care and attention ahead of the celebrations for its 200th birthday. Not only are there works going on at Caen Hill Flight, but we have also carried out significant works at Widmead and Garston Locks on the canal.

“Whilst the canal looks tranquil, in the background we are working hard to ensure that the waterway keeps running smoothly. Water control is one of our priorities and we are currently dealing with increased levels in the river sections due to the rapid melt of snow. During the drier summer months, the new lock gates that are being installed at Caen Hill will help us to conserve water by reducing leakage down the flight. Further gate replacements on Caen Hill will be undertaken during the winter of 2010/2011.”

The gates, all handmade at British Waterways’ lock gate workshop in Bradley, West Midlands, will be craned into position in the lock chambers, before being fitted into place and final adjustments being made by the British Waterways team of engineers and waterway operatives.

Before the new gates arrive on-site the old, damaged gates must be removed, and to do so the canal will be drained, one lock pound at a time, with any fish out of water rescued and re-homed further along the length of the canal. The empty lock chambers will be inspected; repair works to the brick work will take place and the lock mechanisms will be checked, oiled and greased ready to receive the new gates.

Once the works are complete the flight, which is a scheduled ancient monument, will re-open to the public once again, ready to welcome the thousands of visitors who come to view the boats travelling up and down the hillside every year.