The two locks are both at the Sharpness end of the canal. One of which is in the tidal section of the Sharpness Basin.
The dimensions displayed here can be affected by both the weather conditions and tide levels. Before navigation, obtain accurate information. The C & R T provide lots of information.
Lock Gates
Tunnel AqueductOnce known as the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal, running from Gloucester to Sharpness. There is only one lock, on the actual canal, which is at the Sharpness end and leads into the Sharpness Tidal Basin which, in turn via a sea lock, leads into the tidal River Severn. There is Lock No. 2 at the northern end of Gloucester Docks where the canal joins the River Severn.
The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal was once known for being the deepest and widest of man-made canals in the world. Able to handle international shipping vessels up to 140 meters in length, the canal is still home to some pretty impressive engineering. The canal forms a junction at Saul (Saul Junction) with the Stroudwater Canal (currently under restoration). The Stroudwater Canal was built first, in 1779. The junction enabled boat traffic to bypass a good part of the River Severn, in particular, the big loop near Arlingham which had a history for being a dangerous section of the river.
Although construction began in 1793/4 it was not completed until 1827. Money problems were the main issue for delays. Like most canals, its construction budget fell short of the actual amount needed.
Its size meant that craft could carry up to 610 tons of cargo at a time.
The canal was constructed to bypass a large loop of the tidal River Seven.
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