Navigation Closure - Lee Navigation, Ware Lock

Please note the current navigation closure will remain in place until 10th August 2026.

The Environment Agency (EA) are currently working on a plan to monitor and repair the Ware Lock gates.

Any further reopening of the lock will depend on the EA's ongoing monitoring of the lock gates condition.

We will update this notice as soon as more information becomes available.

The navigation closure at Ware Lock will remain in place until 25 July 2026.

The EA is continuing to monitor the condition of the lock gates and manage navigation arrangements during this period.

If you would like to contact the EA directly on this matter then they can be contacted by email at:  hnl-aptenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

The current navigation closure will remain in place until 10 July. The EA are actively developing a controlled plan to allow limited boat movements during this period. This will be a controlled opening to enable movement for approximately 13 boats that need to travel downstream.

Following this initial phase the EA will review the condition of the lock gates to assess the effectiveness of the controlled openings and determine if some form of assisted passage can be offered.

They appreciate your patience and cooperation whilst they manage this situation safely.

Further updates will be provided as plans progress and we get given the detail by the EA.

The Environment Agency is currently testing the lock gates for safe operation at Ware (No2 lock)

The lock will remain closed until there is engineering assurance around safe operation.   If and when it is safe, the Environment Agency will be able to advise boaters directly, However this may be limited and controlled opening.

We advise contacting the Environment Agency contact e-mail address at hnl-aptenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk so that you can receive information and updates regarding the lock situation.

Unfortunately, following further information from the Environment Agency we can confirm that the lock closure will be extended until 11 May 2026.

This is subject to further reviews from the Environment Agency and may change at short notice if further issues arise.

Every effort is being made by the Environment Agency to reopen the navigation when and where possible, and we will update this notice with more information when we're provided with updates.

Further information and updates in the interim can be obtained via the EA National Customer Contact Centre on 0800 80 70 60.

Alternatively, they can be reached via email the local EA team at HNL-APTENQUIRIES@environment-agency.gov.uk and they will respond.

The Environment Agency has not yet finalised its repair plan for the lock.

As the plan remains outstanding, the lock will remain closed until 30th March 2026.

We are in regular contact with Environment Agency and further update will be issued as soon as we are provided with confirmed information.

If you would like to contact the EA directly on this matter then they can be contacted by email at: hnl-aptenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

The Environment Agency's inspection last month has identified critical safety concerns with the lock gates.

They are now developing a repair plan to determine the extent of the work required and the timescales involved.

Until this plan is confirmed, the lock will remain closed. We are in contact with the EA and as soon as the information is provided to us, we will issue a further update to keep all users informed.

This notice will be updated by 15th March 2026, or earlier if we receive confirmed details before that date.

The Environment Agency is currently assessing design options for the repairs required at the lock following recent inspections.

At present, the EA has not confirmed a timeline for the necessary works.

We are in contact with the EA and as soon as the information is provided to us, we will issue a further update to keep all users informed.

This notice will be updated by 20 February 2026, or earlier if we receive confirmed details before that date.

In the meantime, the lock will remain closed to all navigation until the repair requirements and programme are fully defined.

Navigation through Ware Lock is currently closed. Ware Lock is an Environment Agency's (EA) asset and was closed last week to allow the Environment Agency to carry out an inspection. During this inspection, critical safety concerns were identified with the lock gates. The Environment Agency is now awaiting a report from their contractors to confirm the extent of the works required and when navigation can safely reopen.

As the lock is owned and maintained by the Environment Agency, we are reliant on them completing their assessment and any necessary repairs before the lock can be reopened. While the lock remains closed, boats will not be able to pass through Ware Lock, and customers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly. A further update will be provided by 6 February 2026.

Please be advised that navigation through Ware Lock will be suspended due to essential repair works that need to be carried out at the lock.

The suspension is necessary to ensure the safety of our customers and to allow engineers to complete the required repairs as efficiently as possible. During this period, navigation will be suspended through Ware Lock, and customers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding while these important works are undertaken.