Home > Our Work > Case Studies > Crinan Canal Lock 15 Replacement

Crinan Canal Lock 15 Replacement

Client: Scottish Canals

Sector: Canals & waterways

Project value: £1.3M

The Scottish Canals Asset Management Strategy outlined a comprehensive plan for the prioritised replacement of lock gates, particularly focusing on upgrading all Crinan Canal lock gates with new steel ones over several years. The project aimed to enhance the efficiency and safety of the locks, incorporating modern design elements such as stainless steel quoin liners.

Overview of works

During the installation phase, the Crinan Canal was closed to navigation, with the canal reopened for navigation after completion. Key aspects of the project included:

 

  • Fencing and signage to ensure safety and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Provision of welfare accommodation for workers.
  • Transporting of the new gates via barge along the canal to reduce disruption to the road network.
  • Design and installation of temporary works such as crane pads and access scaffolding.
  • A new type of crane pad was developed which straddled the canal alongside the canal basin which negated the need to close the road next to the canal.
  • Coordination with the Scottish Canal operations team for transporting gates and other materials.
  • Coordination with relevant agencies like SEPA and SNH for environmental compliance.
  • Implementation of fish rescue measures during drain-down activities.
  • Installation of water management systems and over-pumping as required.
  • Removal of old lock gates and equipment, with recycling or disposal as appropriate.
  • Installation of new gates, quoin liners, collar straps, and pintle support bases.
  • Breakout and replacement of cills as necessary.
  • Installation of electrical actuators and associated infrastructure.

Impact

Throughout the project, close collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as SEPA, SNH, Argyll and Bute Council, and local fisheries was essential to ensure compliance and address any environmental or community concerns. We also carried out regular meetings with the local community to ensure that they were aware of  any restrictions that we may have to implement. We also introduced a Crinan Canal Community Fund to offer organisations in the area a fund that they could apply for funding for their local community groups, as a way to give back to the community that may have been impacted by the works.