They increased the navigable depth to , which enabled 80-ton barges to reach Coalisland, and the carriage of sand, bricks, agricultural products, pottery, fireclay goods and Irish timber to Belfast increased significantly, as did traffic in grain, coal, hardware, foreign timber and provisions in the opposite direction. Between 1890 and 1900, total traffic increased from 18,000 tons to 36,000 tons, and a loss of £89 became a profit of £355.
The navigable depth was expanded, allowing for larger barges to reach Coalisland. This led to an increase in the transportation of goods like sand, bricks, agricultural products, pottery, fireclay goods, and Irish timber from Belfast to other locations. The opposite direction also saw a rise in traffic for grain, coal, hardware, foreign timber, and provisions. Between 1890 and 1900, total cargo volume increased from 18,000 tons to 36,000 tons, resulting in a profit of £355 instead of a loss of £89.