Boulter's Lock - Bank Holiday delays

[Lazy Days]

As anyone who has passed through Boulter's over the past couple of weeks will have noticed, only one of the sluices on the head gates is operational. Thus far they have been minimising delays by opening it fully straight away however this is only possible when there are only a few boats in the lock - elfin safety and all.

Ralph was told this week that the repair will not be done until after the Bank Holidays and his advice to us was to either avoid Boulter's over Easter/May Day or expect to be caught in serious queues/delays.

For those that are interested, the bit that's bust is the horizontal bar that the paddles hang off.

 

[neale]

As anyone who has passed through Boulter's over the past couple of weeks will have noticed, only one of the sluices on the head gates is operational. Thus far they have been minimising delays by opening it fully straight away however this is only possible when there are only a few boats in the lock - elfin safety and all.

Ralph was told this week that the repair will not be done until after the Bank Holidays and his advice to us was to either avoid Boulter's over Easter/May Day or expect to be caught in serious queues/delays.

For those that are interested, the bit that's bust is the horizontal bar that the paddles hang off.

That's a bugger. Bit difficult to have an upriver cruise over that period without going through Boulters.

I know nothing about repairing locks, but if the broken part is metal couldn't the lock be drained down overnight and a bit of welding undertaken?

 

[markc]

I went through the lock at the weekend, and a note to anyone who is going upstream. If you moor at the top of the lock on the right-hand side, then due to just one sluice working, it sets up a ferocious eddy in the lock and pulls the boat forwards. Despite a warning by the lock keeper, I had no idea how strong it would be and it nearly pulled my arm off. Nursing rope burns on my hands and very sore shoulder & muscles!

Mark

 

[boatone]

I have asked Reading for clarification on the position at Boulters.

I also heard through a different route that the problem may have been know about for some weeks.

My Easter week plans include transiting Boulters at least twice and possibly 4 times so if this screws up my week I will not be a happy bunny.

 

[miket]

You and me both!!

Perhaps EA should get off their ***** and get it fixed!
Boulters is bad enough over a bank holiday weekend when everything is working.
We too expect to be passing through at some time over the Easter weekend, thankfully only one way.
Where do these people come from!

 

[Richard Shead]

Likewise

I have asked Reading for clarification on the position at Boulters.

I also heard through a different route that the problem may have been know about for some weeks.

My Easter week plans include transiting Boulters at least twice and possibly 4 times so if this screws up my week I will not be a happy bunny.

I am about to put my hand in my pocket for bank holiday cruise (end of the month) and a crafty stay at the complete angler.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

I know we have several boats heading to Cookham and onwards post Easter so I'll flag up a warning, thanks for the heads up.

 

[Lazy Days]

I know nothing about repairing locks, but if the broken part is metal couldn't the lock be drained down overnight and a bit of welding undertaken?

Apparently the required part is a metal rod about 6 foot long with four holes drilled in to it. Why that should take 4+ weeks to source & fit is a mystery to me.

 

[Chris_d]

Apparently the required part is a metal rod about 6 foot long with four holes drilled in to it. Why that should take 4+ weeks to source & fit is a mystery to me.

Tricky to fit if its on the upstream side of the top gate though, they may possibly even have to remove the gate.

 

[boatone]

Interim reply ..... (no undertakings asked for or given ) ....

"They will endevour to get the job done prior to the Easter Bank Holiday weekend."

I am still on the case.........

(Don't ask .....)

 

[TrueBlue]

Isn't that -

the bit 'wot broke a (couple of) years ago - just in time for a public holiday?

'Twas called a bridle if failing memory serves - and would you guess - that had to be ordered specially.

Everything is out to contract nowadays at EA as they've sold everything off....

(No jolly good reason why contractors shouldn't be monitored though.)

Hurley lock - contractors.
Boveney pump out - contractors
What I call 'ampton court but isn't; pumpout - contractors
Something at Mapledurham - contractors.

Contractors aren't something to hang a crutch on. Perhaps a change of management / ownership might not be a bad thing (saving lockies and houses essential though)

I know there are some good folks in Thames Region but the whole enterprise is sooo unwieldy.

 

[Ramage]

the bit 'wot broke a (couple of) years ago - just in time for a public holiday?

'Twas called a bridle if failing memory serves - and would you guess - that had to be ordered specially.

I seem to remember it failing as boats were trying to get to the Thames Valley Rally (1st Bank Holiday in May).

 

[534l4rk]

Reported via Chairman ATYC and Operations Manager West Thames Waterways that repair projected start Monday 18th

 

[Richard Shead]

I am

Reported via Chairman ATYC and Operations Manager West Thames Waterways that repair projected start Monday 18th

assuming that's April and not May?

 

[534l4rk]

18th May is Wednesday so assume April

 

[Lazy Days]

Reported via Chairman ATYC and Operations Manager West Thames Waterways that repair projected start Monday 18th

That's great news. Don't suppose they gave an estimate of how long it was expected to take?

 

[534l4rk]

That's great news. Don't suppose they gave an estimate of how long it was expected to take?

Reported to ATYC Chair post discussion lock-keeper. He forwarded to E.A. Ops Manager. Led to believe that now will be completed before Easter