Traffic on Strömsholms canal will be restricted this summer as the canal company seeks to save money for essential repairs, according to a report from SVT Västmanland. Several locks along the historic canal are currently closed due to risk of collapse, with sinkholes discovered last autumn requiring temporary fixes. Hans-Lennart Ohlsson, CEO of Strömsholms Canal AB, stated that lock operations will be scheduled at specific times to manage costs.
The company plans to fill sinkholes and install more permanent fencing before summer to protect the public, while also clearing the waterway of trees. Ohlsson emphasized that while immediate sinkholes are being addressed, long-term solutions require excavating and renovating entire lock chamber systems to prevent leaks that cause settling and sinkholes. However, no funding has been secured for these comprehensive renovations.
lock operations will be scheduled at specific times to manage costs
Despite the limitations, the canal company aims to maintain operations through convoy traffic to keep the historic building monument alive. Usage data from 2025 shows limited boat traffic, with only five season passes sold for round-trip canal passage, eight for one-way passage, and 30 single-lock passes.
while immediate sinkholes are being addressed, long-term solutions require excavating and renovating entire lock chamber systems to prevent leaks that cause settling and sinkholes
no funding has been secured for these comprehensive renovations
the canal company aims to maintain operations through convoy traffic to keep the historic building monument alive