Forth & Clyde Canal: Lock 16 Bypass and Gate Replacement

Duration: January to September 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?

Scope of work at Lock 16

Our contractor Mackenzie Construction Ltd is installing a lock bypass, which will allow for better control over the canal’s water levels. It will also reduce the need for diesel-fuelled over-pumping, minimising the canal’s carbon footprint and simplifying future maintenance. Once the bypass is completed in July 2025, work will begin to replace the upstream and downstream gates (with a target installation date of September 2025).

Why are the works needed?

It is almost 25 years since the Millennium Link Project re-opened Scotland’s Lowland canal network, turning derelict waterways into thriving spaces for nature and people.

Oak gates, like those installed during the Project, last an average of 25 years in the water. That’s because they are subject to immense pressure from thousands of cubic litres of water, weather and erosion, as well as wear and tear from regular use. With their anniversary approaching, many of the gates on the Falkirk Flight are now due for replacement. This is why Scottish Canals is investing more than £3.5 million in a major programme of gate replacement and lock upgrades along this section of the canal (from lock 3 at Grangemouth to Lock 16 Camelon) in the coming year. 

Throughout 2025 and early 2026, we will replace a total of 10 lock gates along the canal in addition to the bypass at lock 16. We’ll also take the opportunity, while navigation is suspended and water levels lowered, to carry out inspection and maintenance work at each of the locks. This work is essential to keeping the Forth & Clyde Canal open and to ensuring this space can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. 

Information for boaters

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

For boats approaching from the Falkirk Wheel: Lock 16 is now a construction site, managed by our contractor Mackenzie Construction, and containing heavy plant machinery and sensitive structural works. If you are planning on turning a vessel just before Lock 16, please slow your vessel down on your approach. There is a row of yellow buoys marking a clearance area around the engineering works – please ensure that your vessel does not breach this line and is going slowly enough not to create any wake. Your co-operation to ensure our contractor can continue to work, safely, is very much appreciated.

Information for residents and visitors

Throughout these works, the site compound will be based at the Union Inn car park. 

Update and FAQs (5 June 2025): Road closure extension

While excavating under the road to install the bypass pipework, we have had to work around a lot of buried utilities and the age of the canal infrastructure is further complicating the project, bringing some unexpected delays. We have tried to find alternative solutions, but unfortunately, we have had to agree a road closure extension with Falkirk Council until Friday 1st August. The current diversion route will be in place up to that date. 

Our engineering works are essential to keeping the historic canal safe, maintaining control over water levels, and ensuring the canal can remain open and navigable for decades to come. But we do understand that they are bringing inconvenience to local people. 

We would like to thank everyone in the Camelon, Bantaskin and Tamfourhill areas for their patience and support since the project began, and we will do our best to reduce further disruption. In the meantime, we have compiled some responses to questions coming in from the community.

Why has the road closure been extended?

We do often face delays and encounter unexpected obstacles when we start to excavate under historic infrastructure, and unfortunately, in this case, our contractor has encountered unforeseen technical issues. We had to take a decision to apply for a road closure extension in the interests of public safety.

Why was there no public consultation ahead of the project?

The works were not subject to public consultation as they are considered to be essential works in the interests of public safety and in maintaining the structural integrity of the canal.

Would it be possible to install a temporary footbridge at Lock 16 for times when the construction team are not working?

We considered installing a temporary footbridge over the Lock 16 bridge before the road closure, but we had to reject this option as there is not enough space to ensure a safe distance from construction area, plant and equipment. Installing temporary footbridges at the adjacent locks is also not feasible due to the work being done to prepare for the lock gate replacements and the auxiliary repair works.

Why are working hours not being extended to speed things up?

The Mackenzie Construction site teams are limited to operating during the day and the during working week to avoid making noise overnight and at weekends in a busy residential area. 

Update (22 April 2025): Temporary road closure

Please note that due to the installation of the lock bypass under the road bridge at Lock 16, a road closure will be in effect from 28th April for 8 weeks with diversion signage posted. The road will also be closed to pedestrians with diversion routes signposted. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we carry out these essential safety works.

Update (19 March 2025): Fish rescue

Today, we started lowering the water levels between locks 16 and 15 as part of the bypass works. Forth Rivers Trust are leading the rescue of fish and relocating them to other parts of the canal. From 25th to 27th, fish will be rescued from locks 11 to 15 as we dewater the canal further down the Falkirk Flight too.

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

View all Falkirk Flight Works Maps 2025 - 2026