Major work is scheduled at Castle Mills Lock on the River Foss in York.
The River Foss Society (RFS) says the £1.36 million pound project to replace the aging timber lock gates will start in April.
The Navigation Authority responsible for the lock is the City of York Council.
The gates, last replaced in 1986, have exceeded their expected lifespan and are now in poor condition, raising concerns about potential safety and environmental incidents.
Previous plans were delayed due to low river levels and logistical challenges, but a revised programme will see works start on 7 April, with completion expected by 3 July.
It comes after some criticised the plans. Chris Rainger, a former waterways engineer, told the council: “In my experience, precious resources would not be spent on replacing gates on a seldom-used lock.
“It appears the council is planning to spend £1.36m to facilitate the occasional trophy hunter.”
The council emphasises the importance of the lock for managing water levels and protecting the wider York Castle Gateway area, describing the investment as crucial for the resilience and safety of the city’s historic waterways.
Although only used occasionally, the lock provides essential navigation access to the River Foss to enable riverside, bridge and building maintenance work.
It also allows the councils rubbish clearance and bankside maintenance barge to be used regularly by RFS volunteers.
A planning application lodged with the council stated the works would see the lock drained and fish rescued before the upstream and then downstream gates are replaced.
The application stated the gate’s timber was rotting, leaking extensively and they were at risk of failing or becoming inoperable.
