In this paper, the channel width influence on hydroelastic waves in an ice-covered channel is investigated. Waves are generated by a load moving along the ice sheet. External load is modeled by a localized smooth pressure distribution. The differential equation of oscillations of viscoelastic ice plate and the Laplace equation for the velocity potential of fluid flow under the ice cover are used as a mathematical model. These equations are supplemented with impermeability boundary conditions on channel walls and bottom, clamped conditions for ice on the channel walls, and the kinematic and the dynamic condition on the ice – liquid interface. The time-independent travelling wave solution in a coordinate system moving with the external load is studied. Applying the Fourier transformation allows the initial problem to be reduced to the two-dimensional problem of wave profile across the channel, which is solved by the normal mode method for a fixed beam. The problem of deflections in the infinite ice sheet is solved by double Fourier transformation. Numerical results of the channel width influence are discussed. The ice defection and strains in the ice sheet are calculated and compared with the results of problem solution for infinite ice plate.