SIX WEEKS LOCK CLOSURE will put an estimated 528 lorry journeys onto roads.
The Canal & River Trust plans to close Sykehouse Lock, on the New Junction Canal from the 3rd November to 19th December, for gate repairs.
528 journeys
This navigation is used by two companies to transport such as oil, scrap metal, etc. that for the six weeks will have to be transported by road, totalling an estimated 528 journeys.
Boating associations believe this is excessive and in addition will have an impact not only on local business but navigation.
The Inland Waterways Association says the six-week closure is excessive and disregards the impact on navigation and local businesses. The duration of the intended closure means that the impact on navigation users, particularly commercial freight, will be substantial. The route is used by Casper River and Canal Transport, and Mainmast (Exol Oil).
88 journeys per week
Between the two companies, one barge load of oil (400 tonnes), two 300 tonne barge loads of scrap, and one 100 tonne load of cement per week are transported through the lock. This adds up to 1100 tonnes per week, and the closure puts the equivalent of 88 25-ton lorry journeys per week back on the road, adding to congestion and pollution in the local area.
The IWA are calling on CRT to minimise the length of the stoppage to reduce the effect on commercial water freight, local roads, and air quality.