Wigan canal reopens to boats after water main burst

Our engineers worked closely with United Utilities, who owns the water main, to carry out a bespoke repair to the canal bank between Poolstock Lock and Bamfurlong Bridge.

Contractors installed ramps to allow vehicles and machinery to safely gain access and excavate the embankment and canal bed in order to reach the burst water main, part of Rivington Aqueduct, which feeds 29,000 properties in the Wigan and Warrington area.

The burst water main was isolated, and the canal bed was rebuilt by lining the bed with around 300 tonnes of clay and compacting it, ensuring it is watertight, and installing metal trench sheeting along a 20m section of the canal wash wall to strengthen it.

Delighted to reopen the branch

Gareth Taylor, one of our engineers, said: “We’re delighted that the Leigh branch has reopened to boaters. It’s a short but mighty local treasure and is highly valued by boaters and local people for its nature, heritage, and, of course, for navigation. There were some unique challenges involved in this complex repair and our specialist engineers have worked closely with United Utilities to get the canal back open as soon as we possibly could. Thank you to everyone for your patience and support whilst this work was carried out.”

The Leigh branch runs for seven miles, from the junction with the Leeds & Liverpool Canal main line at Wigan, to Leigh, where it joins the Stretford and Leigh Branch of the Bridgewater Canal.

Safety is a priority

Rob Moore, County Business Lead for Water at United Utilities said: “We continue to work closely with the Canal & River Trust following a complex water mains burst which occurred under the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on 14 August.

“Our priority continues to be the safety of both the public and our staff, and you should expect to see us working in the area until Spring 2026. Thank you for your patience, and we apologise for any inconvenience.”