Forth & Clyde Canal: Lock 20, Wyndford Bypass Works

From November 2024 to April this year, our contractor Mackenzie Construction completed the first phase of a bypass installation at Lock 20 in the Wyndford Road area of Banknock.  The bypass is part of the enabling works for the continued evolution of the Forth & Clyde into one of the world’s first smart canals. Having a bypass around the lock will also help us to exercise better control over water flows and reduce the need for diesel-fuelled over-pumping during future maintenance. 

Background: The Smart Canal 

The Forth & Clyde Canal is transforming into one of the world’s first smart canals. This means that ahead of heavy rainfall, the canal can automatically lower its water levels by up to four inches (100mm) along an approx. 20-mile stretch to absorb surface water from new housing developments. 

This approach has already unlocked enough brownfield sites for 3,500 houses in the north of Glasgow. These sites were previously ruled out for development due to lack of capacity in the existing sewer system for new surface water drainage. At Dundashill, a development of 600 houses is partially built, and as more developments come online, the smart canal’s control system will further adjust, learn and evolve to serve them. 

Upcoming Works at Lock 20 (Banknock) 

The second phase of the installation is scheduled to begin in November 2025. It will allow for controlled water flow through the bypass and create an automated water management system at the lock.  

Mackenzie Construction will also carry out repairs to masonry around the bypass inlet chamber and any further repairs identified by upcoming diving inspections (10th-12th June).

The total investment in the Lock 20 upgrades from Scottish Canals, in partnership with Scottish Water, amounts to more than £500,000.  

The money will ensure that: 

• We have improved control over canal levels and can reduce the carbon footprint of the canal, including during future maintenance works. 
• The canal is better prepared to withstand the higher frequency of extreme weather events and a wetter climate as a result of climate change. 
• Smart canal functionality is supported and continues to roll-out along the Forth & Clyde Canal as a way of managing surface water drainage from new developments in neighbouring areas. 

Information for residents, visitors and boaters 

This June (10th, 11th and 12th), a team of divers will conduct underwater surveys around Lock 20 and Wyndford Weir. Diving operations will take place between 11am and 16.15pm on each of these days, and boats will not be able to approach the Lock 20 area during these times. These restrictions will be sign-posted along the route.