Bristol Lock Restrictions

[Who]

Its going to hard to find a window into Bristol soon.

i.e. Access on peak of a spring tide only, for about 5 - 6 days on average approx once a month.

Restrictions as follows, for those that dont know:
--------------------------------------------------------------
No.34/09
Restrictions to Navigation
Infrastructure Improvements at Entrance Lock and Junction Lock
Phase 2 of major infrastructure improvements will commence on Monday 28th September 2009 and is due to be completed Friday 7th May 2010. During this period, the following works will be undertaken: the removal of the original wooden Stop Gates to be replaced with a set of modern steel gates. Junction Swing Bridge, Inner and Outer Entrance Lock Gates to be refurbished and upgraded to oil hydraulic operation.

It will only be possible to enter or depart from the Floating Harbour on a Stop Gate Tide, arriving or sailing ‘on a level’ and on tides of 9.6m and over.

At all other times the Junction Lock and Cumberland Basin will be closed to navigation.

It will not be possible to swing Junction Bridge during its refurbishment and upgrade on:

Monday 5th October 2009 to Sunday 11th October 2009

Monday 26th October 2009 to Thursday 26th November 2009

Mariners are advised to plan carefully, with adequate notice, their arrival to and departure times from the City Docks as delays can be expected.

The latest updated information can be obtained from the Duty Dock Master on 0117 9273633 or VHF call sign “City Docks Radio” during tidal operations.

 

[ash12]

That's a lot of work but needs doing because those bridges still work off water power and the lock gates are really old and nee repacing. Bristol city docks and portishead are practically closed for winter then!

 

[Saguday]

The civil engineering guy I met and talked to about it down there said the current lock mechanism is still the original one designed by Brunel. Unfortunately it's all staying in the ground, they can't (or can't afford?) to move it to the museum.

They're also building a new lock control tower, foundations were going in when I was down there taking pics with my overseas visitors.

 

[Allan]

Bristol

I went to Bristol on Friday pm tide and left on Sunday pm tide. As usual I rang the dockmaster while planning the trip. They only seem to be opening the lock when the tide reaches the harbour level. When I left it was on freeflow after they had dropped the Cumberland basin by about 0.4m. I heard on channel 14 that the stop lock under the Junction bridge would be opened about one and a half hours after I left. I would suggest talking to the dockmaster as the procedure will take longer than normal. I should add that I have since been told the dockmaster was not planning to open the lock on Friday but the plan was changed, possibly due to the arrival of a large barge which was in the lock with me.
Allan

 

[Who]

We saw you in the lock on Friday.

With a big scary barge.

I could not stop as we were driving.

 

[Allan]

Yes I was a little concerned about his bowsprit hitting my turbine! I didn't realise the dockmaster was on the wall next to me talking to the guy on the tug.
I should say that the guys working the lock and bridges were not only very good but all had a very cheerfull attitude. I had to wait in the lock for an hour and a half but was no problem as I had time to cook my tea, a very pleasant pie and mash! Perfect after a stunning sail from Cardiff.
Allan

 

[Who]

I think a lot of boaters worry about the lock at Bristol. After all it is big and perhaps a little off putting the first time round.

However, the guys in charge are so helpful and always pleasant as long as you do as your told. They help you tie off and sort everyone out in good time. They will never leave a boat stranded outside

I heard that a number of boats pushed there way into the lock after the Harbour Festival in August. Needless to say, Dockmaster was not amused and told many of them to get out until called.
I guess they were used to the Cardiff lock..... ok I will shut up now and get me coat ;-)

 

[ash12]

Yes that happened at the start of the water fetival aswell. Some guy in an Arvor pushed infront of everybody who was waiting and the lock keepers were rushing anyway so they started the lock and there was a sailing boat who didn't even have a line to the bank and we were out of the wall a lot. Queues are important at Bristol!

 

[Mymobo]

Here we go again the Cardiff lock stuff. Who glad you got your coat you can buy the first one. He he

 

[Morpheous]

So it actually useable then? We were wondering about heading up this weekend

 

[Who]

Bristol tides are 8.5 sat and 7.9 sunday.

It needs to be over 9.6, or you wont get in

 

[Morpheous]

Ah. I saw the 12m @ Portishead and thought that would be big enough. Doh. Plan B then. We will have granddaughter with us so will be doing something family friendly and looking for not too sporty conditions.

 

[Morpheous]

Should just add that I was of course going to check the tides!!! Just hadn't got that far! Sometimes this forum can save hours of planning.