During Storm Desmond in December 2015, extensive damage to the wingwalls of bridge 171 – Stainton Aqueduct – was discovered. This has led to the temporary closure of the canal by means of a clay dam; the clay dam will prevent any loss of water from the remaining open section, should the aqueduct fail. Temporary stabilisation works of the wall have been completed, and a permanent fix will be completed when funding becomes available. As of Early April 2018, funding has been granted for the restoration of the aqueduct, tree clearance and ecological surveys have already been completed, with the main works commenced in August 2018 by construction firm Kier Group who have been employed by the Canal & River Trust at a cost circa £1 million.