By the time the canals and waterways were nationalised in 1948 (the same year as the railways) there was no commercial traffic left on the Bow Back Rivers, although timber was still being carried along the Lee Navigation.
The Bow Back Rivers were placed in the 'Remaindered' category, meaning that the new government owners would make no investment o try to keep them navigable or invest in maintenance.
As this film shows, the neglect caused the lock mechanism and gates to rust, and the lockside to become overgrown with bushes and weeds.
Restoration was originally planned to be complete as part of the development of the Olympic site, but was postponed for logistical reasons. The restoration project finally started in 2016. Click here to see the yearlong restoration as captured by timelapse camera.
You can find out more of the lock's historyand restoration by visiting the lockside after your cruise.
This page is part of Lee & Stort Resources