Timing and Stoppages
The weather has potential effects on excavations (e.g. drying/ desiccation of clay materials in summer, softening and frost damage in winter), and construction materials such as puddle clay, which can be difficult to store and handle whatever the weather.
Timing of the works will need to take into account the wildlife species present. The works should be phased to take account of disturbance to nesting birds and hibernating animals if these are thought to be present on site.
It should be noted that the connection to the waterway, unless agreed otherwise with BW, will need to be undertaken in dry conditions. This will require the use of temporary works and / or a pre-agreed canal stoppage / partial stoppage to create a dry working area. Consideration should be given to this in the programming and pricing of the works.
If the scheme will require a stoppage (a temporary closure to the main waterway), this should take place within our stoppage period which is between November and March every year. To facilitate that, you must have informed us no later than 1st May of your intention.
All direct costs attributable to the stoppage will be met by the developer. (Direct costs may include, but are not restricted to the following: access, signage, fish rescue, installation of dams, de-watering, over-pumping, footpath diversion, decommissioning and reinstatement of site).
We publish a national programme in advance of the stoppage period to give sufficient notice to our boating customers and businesses and agree stoppages to be included in the programme in the preceding summer. We finalise dates by considering traffic patterns, other nearby stoppages, alternative routes and the key national 'through routes' which are kept free of closures.
Any stoppage must be of minimal duration and we may request certain conditions such as weekend opening or overnight working on longer jobs. Our standard stoppage tariff will not apply to marina connections, providing the stoppage is within normal stoppage programme and completed within the agreed time period. In the event that the developer may overrun the agreed stoppage period, the prior approval of British Waterways MUST be obtained and if approved, charges will be payable by the developer as per the 'Code of Practice for Works affecting British Waterways'.
Lay-bye marinas
Where the applicant proposes an artificial or clay liner, it is not possible to construct a lay-bye marina without a significantly longer stoppage than that normally required for a standard marina connection. It will be necessary for the applicant to satisfy BW that the proposed works affecting BW can be completed within the designated Stoppage Programme.
