The Southern Oxford Canal is set to reopen tomorrow Friday 9 May following almost a week’s closure as a result of the structural failure of a wall at Napton Locks.
Problems with the approach wall to Lock 10 led to the seven-lock flight being closed on Monday 5 May. Following investigation, contractors began work on Wednesday to make the site safe, and it has now been announced that the first boat will be permitted through the flight at 12 noon on Friday. Staff or volunteers will be on hand to assist, and priority will be given to hire craft returning to base.
During the time that the flight was shut, the opportunity has been taken to bring forward planned repairs to gate leaks at Lock 8, so that this lock will no longer need to close for a one-day stoppage on 13 May as previously announced.
