Engineers move quickly to repair canal bed leak

1 March 2010

British Waterways’ engineers have moved quickly to contain and repair a leak in the bed of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

The canal has been drained between Bridges 116 and 118 at Llangattock to allow immediate repairs to get underway and minimise disruption to the new visitor season starting in March. The leak has been traced to the canal bed and is unrelated to the recent major works to strengthen the waterway walls at this location. Work to waterproof the canal bed will start on Monday 01 March, with the canal due to reopen by the 17th March. The towpath will remain closed along this section to allow access for plant and machinery.

Waterway manager Nick Worthington comments: "We are aware that this will impact on the first week of the visitor season and apologise for any disruption to people’s holiday plans while we carry out these essential repairs. We have contacted all the affected hire boat operators and will ensure everyone is kept informed as work progresses."

The northern section of the canal remains open, offering two days of uninterrupted cruising along this scenic waterway.
Water levels downstream of bridge 116 to Five Locks will be up to 150mm lower during the repair works, and boaters are advised to check the draft of their boats before using this section of canal.

Winding is available above bridges 131 and 126 and below between bridges 115 and 109.

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