Trees block canals

High winds this week have brought down trees in several places that have blocked canals.

On the Rochdale Canal, a tree has fallen from the offside of the canal and has hit Mayroyd Bridge (15), just downstream of Hebden Bridge. The top of the tree has detached from the trunk and is now partially submerged, making navigation unsafe.

British Waterways anticipate that the navigation can be reopened by Wednesday 11th January 2012.

On the Peak Forest Canal, there are blockages at two locations between Marple and New Mills. At Turf Lea Lift Bridge (22), a large tree has fallen from the offside and is blocking the canal. At Higgins Clough Swing Bridge (25), a large tree has fallen from the offside and is blocking both the canal and towpath.

British Waterways warn that, because of the high number of trees that have fallen in the area, the contractor is in great demand, so a date for re-opening this section of the Upper Peak Forest Canal cannot yet be given. BW will publish an expected date for re-opening as soon as they are able.

On the Macclesfield Canal, a large tree has slid down the offside cutting slope and has fallen across the canal close to Gurnett Aqueduct, south of Macclesfield. The contractor is in great demand, so a date for re-opening this section of the Macclesfield Canal cannot yet be given. BW will publish an expected date for re-opening as soon as they are able.

Any enquiries about these stoppages should be made to BW on 01782 785703.

Update 9th January:
The fallen trees on the Peak Forest Canal have been removed and the navigation has now re-opened.

Update 9th January:
The tree has been cleared at Mayroyd Bridge on the Rochdale Canal, but the navigation will not re-open until BW staff have made safe loose and overhanging coping stones on the bridge, which should be done on the morning of Monday 9th January.

Update 9th January:
The navigation has now re-opened at Mayroyd Bridge, Hebden Bridge, on the Rochdale Canal.

Update 12th January:
The fallen tree on the Macclesfield Canal has been removed and the navigation has now re-opened.


Mayroyd Bridge, Rochdale Canal