Gloucester Docks dredging starts

A project to remove approximately 12,000m³ of silt from Gloucester Docks and the canal between Llanthony Bridge and St Ann Bridge is underway.

The £200K scheme will take around six weeks to complete, reports the Canal and River Trust.

In fact, specialist machinery will float in the Docks, with a water-borne plough pulled by a tug. Equally important, this loosens the sediment at the bottom of the docks, allowing it to be removed by huge pump housed on a floating pontoon.

Finally, the sediment will be returned to the River Severn.

Mark Evans, the director for Wales & South West, said: “Dredging is an example of the crucial work we do to keep our canals open. If we don’t dredge the waterways become silted up meaning boats cannot move around.”

“With more and more people enjoying spending their free time on or near our beautiful waterways we want to ensure the canals are working properly and looking their very best.

“Dredging is central to this and it’s a never-ending task for the team as the Severn’s huge tidal range means that it constantly deposits large amounts of silt in the canal and Docks.

“The safety of our colleagues and contractors remains a priority, with this project designed to be safely carried out within the Government’s coronavirus guidance.”

Additionally, the Docks and canal will remain open, but there may be some delays while equipment is brought into place, the Trust said.