Forth & Clyde Canal: Lock 16 Bypass Installation

Infrastructure Current
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Duration: 13th January 2025 to April 2025

Scottish Canals is embarking on the first step in a major programme to upgrade the locks along the Falkirk Flight of the Forth and Clyde Canal. Lock 16 is one of 11 locks that will undergo gate replacement, refurbishment, and upgrade over the course of 2025 and early 2026. 

Every year, there are more than 22 million visitors to the canals, towpaths, and attractions like the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies. Replacing the lock gates along the Falkirk Flight and the related upgrades this year will make sure the canal not only remains open for navigation but also remains in a safe state of repair for all visitors for several decades to come. Find out more about how we prioritise repairs that are in the interests of public safety and about how our engineering teams make decisions about starting works: Scottish Canals | How do we decide?

For Lock 16, the scope of work includes replacing the hardwood timber gates, which are approaching the end of their lifespan, with new steel gates. We will also construct a lock bypass to allow better control of water flow to the lower levels of the canal.

The water levels will be lowered during the works and the fish will be relocated to another part of the canal. 

Information for local residents and visitors

Throughout these works, the site compound will be based at the Union Inn car park. The towpath will be closed, and a diversion route signposted. 

In March, a temporary closure of the road over the Lock 16 bridge will be in place and a diversion signposted. Further details of the exact dates and diversion route will be posted in advance, both here and on our social media channels.

Please note that navigation between locks 3 and 16 is now suspended until March 2026 to accommodate the full series of works.

You can find further updates on our Ongoing Works page.

If you would like more information, please contact enquiries@scottishcanals.co.uk or call us on 0141 332 6936.

Click on the map to see all works along the Falkirk Flight in 2025 and 2026.