Below is the latest update from the Canal & River Trust on the dredging at Gloucester Docks:
“As we approach the end of 2023, the Canal & River Trust’s dredging programme at Gloucester Docks continues to make good progress with the improvements required for the boating season and major events in 2024.
The Gloucester & Sharpness Canal has been dredged down to Monk Meadow Marina with a clear 3.5-metre-deep channel having been achieved. Dredging has also taken place along the mooring pontoon at Bakers Quay.
An area of the canal near to High Orchard Bridge at the Sud Brook outfall has a significant amount of debris on the canal bed that caused issues with the pumps. During the week commencing 11 December, two-and-a-half days were lost as the dredging pump had to be dismantled to clear debris caught up in the pumping system. This short section will be addressed in future months with an alternative form of dredging.
Looking ahead to 2024, dredging will be continuing in the docks and will be focused on areas required for moorings and for the Tall Ships Festival in May. It’s anticipated this phase of dredging will be complete by 14 February.
Navigation will remain open for boats while the dredging is taking place in the docks. Boaters may be delayed for short periods as winch cables will be anchored to the quay walls. Moorings will also be restricted at times to enable dredging along the quay walls and pontoons, though there will always be some moorings spaces unaffected.
Since the works started back in late September, we have used four water quality stations to monitor the effect of the dredging on the river water quality. Following extensive analysis of the data, our environmental consultants have verified that the dredging does not have a significant impact on the water quality in the river.
Finally, the Canal & River Trust would like to wish season’s greetings to all and look forward to working alongside the boating and local community and our partners in 2024.”
