in 1883, the wisbech and upwell tramway opened, running from wisbech to outwell and following a route along the course of the canal. it was extended to upwell in 1884. initially, there was some benefit to the canal, as coal was transported by the railway to outwell, and loaded into boats by chutes. however, the railways steadily took the trade, and in 1914, the tolls collected only amounted to £56. all traffic ceased in 1922, and the canal was formally abandoned on 14 june 1926, when a warrant for its closure was obtained from the minister of transport.