Urgent boating news – Potential for strike action to disrupt Broads navigation

The Broads Authority have been informed by Network Rail that potential disruption to the Broads navigation is possible if the planned RMT Union (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) strikes go ahead on Tuesday 21, Thursday 23 and Saturday 25 June 2022.

The bridges will be affected as follows:

Somerleyton Swing Bridge – Open to navigation throughout

Reedham Swing Bridge and Oulton Broad Swing Bridge – Bridges will not be available for swings between the following times and will be left in the closed to navigation position:

• From 06:00am Tuesday 21 June until 07:00am Wednesday 22 June
• From 06:00am Thursday 23 June until 07:00am Friday 24 June
• From 06:00am Saturday 25 June until 07:00am Sunday 26 June

This is based on the assumption that all bridge operators will be withdrawing labour on these dates. There is a possibility that some staff may attend duty but at this point Network Rail cannot confirm if this will be the case.

We will share any updates given by Network Rail as these dates approach.

https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/boating-news/potential-navigation-disruption-due-to-rail-strike-action

NTM 05 of 2022 – Dredging at Sutton Broad

Navigation Closure on Sutton Broad (River Ant)

Notice is hereby given that the Broads Authority will be undertaking dredging works at the
downstream end of Sutton Broad. Vessels may be diverted and regulated in their
movements in this area whilst the works are taking place from Monday 20 June until Friday
01 July 2022. The closure excludes weekends although width restrictions will be in place
over this time.

Passage will remain open to Sutton and Stalham Staithe during this period

The dredging works will involve the use of a floating platform and a small wherry workboat.

Please ensure that the position Grid Reference TG368236 (shown in red on the attached
plan) is taken into consideration for passage planning and when navigating in this area.

Passage will remain open to Sutton and Stalham Staithe during this period

All equipment will be lit and signage will be in place to warn of closure and advise of the
diversion.

Please contact the Broads Authority, Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1
1RY Tel (01603) 610734 if additional information is required.

Rivers Engineer
June 2022

Boating News – Navigation restriction due to flood bank maintenance works on the Upper River Waveney

The Broads Authority have given notice that the Environment Agency will be undertaking flood bank maintenance works, from 23 May until 22 July 2022. The site stretches along the upstream end of the River Waveney, from Dunburgh grid ref TM402912 to Geldeston Dyke grid ref TM392911 (shown in red on the plan extract).

The maintenance works on the water will involve the use of floating pontoons and small works vessels. Note: during the above period navigation will remain open, but vessels must exercise great care whilst proceeding past the vicinity of the works.

Please ensure that the area is taken into consideration for passage planning and when navigating in this area.

For more information and to view a map of the site please visit: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/boating-news/navigation-restriction-due-to-flood-bank-maintenance-works-on-the-upper-river-waveney

Notice: Neatishead Staithe 24h Moorings, 19-May-22

The Broads Authority have given notice that they will be undertaking site investigation works on the quay heading at the Neatishead Staithe 24 hour moorings.

The works will involve the use of a cable percussive drilling rig, which will provide valuable design information for a future piling project.

The mooring will remain open during the works, however please note that pedestrian movement around the quay heading may be temporarily restricted and regulated in the vicinity of the works on Thursday 19 May 2022 from 08.30 to 16.00 hours.

For more information and a map please see: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/boating-news/site-investigation-works-at-neatishead-staithe-mooring

UPDATED: NOTICE TO MARINERS No. 1 of 2022 – Approaches to Breydon Bridge (A47) Gt. Yarmouth

The Broads Authority have issued an updated notice to mariners for major maintenance works on the Breydon Bridge (A47), Gt. Yarmouth. The notice has been updated to reflect a change of date for the works, which will now be from Monday 5 September 2022 until Friday 24 February 2023. Please see the notice linked below for more information:

Click to access ntm-01-2022-navigation-restriction-breydon-bridge-update-06.05.22.pdf

The maintenance works will involve the replacement of the existing hydraulic lifting system from the central span using underslung scaffolding.

Note: During the above period navigation will remain open to the side spans, but the bridge central span will be closed and unable to open to vessels with a greater air-draft of 13ft.

All equipment will be lit and signage will be in place to warn of the closure and restrictions.
Grid reference TG516080. Please ensure that the new position is taken into consideration for passage planning and when navigating in this area.

For more information visit https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/boating-news or call 01603 610734.

UPDATED: NOTICE TO MARINERS No. 4 of 2022 – Road Closure and width restrictions for piling works at Haddiscoe Cut

UPDATED 12/04/2022:

Click to access ntm-04-of-2022-river-closure-and-width-restrictions-for-piling-works-at-haddiscoe-cut-updated-12-april-2022.pdf

Notice is hereby given that Haddiscoe Cut will be closed due to emergency piling works being undertaken between 07:00hrs Wednesday 16 March 2022 until 19:00hrs Thursday 31 March 2022. The closure excludes weekends between 19:00hrs Friday to 07:00hrs Monday although width restrictions will be in place over this time.

Click to access ntm-04-2022-emergency-closure-haddiscoe-cut.pdf

Click to view the full Notice to Mariners from the Broads Authority

During the closure access from Reedham to St Olaves will only be possible by navigating on the lower River Yare and River Waveney via the southern end of Breydon Water.

Notice is also given that between Friday 01 April 2022 and Thursday 14 April 2022, Haddiscoe Cut will be open but width restrictions will remain in place for the second phase of the works.

All equipment will be lit and signage will be in place to warn of restriction and delays.
Vessels should ensure that the new position is taken into consideration for passage planning
and when navigating in this area.

Please contact the Broads Authority, Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1
1RY Tel (01603) 610734 if additional information is required.

NOTICE TO MARINERS No. 3 of 2022 – Navigation restriction due to dredging works on Oulton Broad/Oulton Dyke

Notice is hereby given that the Broads Authority will be undertaking dredging works, from 04 April until 05 September 2022. The site covers the full extent of the navigation channel of Oulton Broad and stretches along Oulton Dyke to its northern reaches, grid ref TM520928 (Mutford Lock) to its confluence with the River Waveney, grid ref TM500943 shown in red on the plan extract.

The maintenance works on the water will involve the use of floating pontoons and small work vessels. Note: During the above period the navigation will remain open, but vessels must exercise great care whilst proceeding past the vicinity of the works.

Please ensure that the area is taken into consideration for passage planning and when navigating in this area.

Click to access ntm-03-2022-dredging-oulton-broad.pdf

All equipment will be lit and signage will be in place to warn of restriction and delays. Vessels should ensure that the new position is taken into consideration for passage planning and when navigating in this area.

Please contact the Broads Authority, Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1RY Tel (01603) 610734 if additional information is required.

NOTICE TO MARINERS No. 2 of 2022 – Navigation restrictions – dredging works on the Upper River Ant

Notice is hereby given that the Broads Authority will be undertaking dredging works, from 01 April 2022 until 29 July 2022. The site stretches along the upstream end of the River Ant, from Hunsett Mill grid ref TG 35707 24281 to Sutton Staithe grid ref TG 38210 23699 (shown in red on the plan extract)

The maintenance works on the water will involve the use of floating pontoons and small works vessels. Note: during the above period navigation will remain open, but vessels must exercise great care whilst proceeding past the vicinity of the works.

Please ensure that the area is taken into consideration for passage planning and when navigating in this area.

Click to access ntm-02-2022-dredging-river-ant.pdf

All equipment will be lit and signage will be in place to warn of restriction and delays. Vessels should ensure that the new position is taken into consideration for passage planning and when navigating in this area.

Please contact the Broads Authority, Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1RY Tel (01603) 610734 if additional information is required.

Somerleyton Bridge

The Broads Authority have advised that Network Rail have been in touch to inform them that the repairs to Somerleyton Bridge are now complete and the bridge is once again operational.

Urgent Boating News – Extremely high winds forecast for the Broads

The Broads Authority have issued the following warning:

As you are likely aware, the Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Friday 18 February due to extremely high winds created by Storm Eunice. This warning impacts the whole of Norfolk and Suffolk, including the Broads. Wind speeds of up to 70mph have been forecasted for the area, peaking between 12 and 2pm on Friday.

Boat owners are urged to make arrangements to ensure that their vessels are secure and properly tied up before the high winds hit, and to check on their vessels after the weather warning has passed.

We strongly advise that you avoid any non-essential travel during this period of high wind. If you are on your vessel please refrain from cruising on the rivers (unless essential) and instead stay moored up in a safe location. Please be mindful of dangers such as nearby trees and other structures which may be affected by the wind whilst you are moored up. Be extra vigilant and stay well away from the water’s edge whenever possible.

Breydon Water will also be closed to hire vessels during the weather warning, and we will notify the public when it is safe to cross again. Boat hirers should contact their boatyard for more information if required.

We anticipate that over the coming days there will be numerous riverside trees uprooted by the wind and some damage to vessels. Our Rangers will be working hard to deal with these issues and keep you safe.

If you notice any obstructions on the river, including trees or adrift/sunken vessels, please report these to Broads Control on 01603 756056.

In case of emergency, or if you are in danger, always dial 999.

Tom Waterfall, Senior Communications Officer, Broads Authority