In 1887, William Burke was asked to survey the river with a view to extending navigation. Three years later the navigation act was passed, enabling construction upon the navigation to begin. However, the initial estimates of cost were soon exceeded, and work slowed. Eventually, about 1912, the canalisation of the Abby was completed, and the river was navigable troughout the whole Island of Kings. The navigation totalled 22 miles in length and featured 19 locks. Trade along the Abby navigation consisted mostly of lime, chalk, manure, aggregates and coal. Whilst in 1901