Community open day offers close-up look at new Carreghofa Lane Bridge
The local community around Llanymynech was given a look at progress on the new Carreghofa Lane Bridge, as construction continues as part of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.
The open day
More than 60 people visited the site to meet our colleagues and main contractor Kier to see the progress being made on the new bridge. The structure will replace a causeway installed in the 1960s that severed the canal and, once complete, will carry traffic along Carreghofa Lane over the restored waterway.
The bridge will provide enough headroom for boats to pass underneath and allow towpath users to walk beneath the carriageway, helping reconnect this section of the canal for future navigation.
The open day gave local people a special opportunity to go on site and see the construction up close ahead of the bridge's expected completion in early 2027 and learn more about the environmental and technical detail too. Local schoolchildren have also recently visited to learn more about the project and watch its progress.
We are restoring a 4.4-mile section of the Montgomery Canal between Llanymynech and Maerdy that has been unnavigable since the 1930s. The project forms part of a UK Government-funded investment, delivered by us in partnership with Powys County Council and supported by the Montgomery Canal Partnership.
A chance to learn more about the work
Marina Churm, our community engagement co-ordinator, said: "It was fantastic to welcome so many people from the local community to Carreghofa Lane Bridge and share the progress being made on this important project.
"The event gave people the chance to learn more about the work taking place, ask questions and find out about the next stages of the canal restoration. It was also a valuable opportunity for us to hear local views and talk about the long-term benefits the restoration will bring.
"The bridge is a significant milestone in the restoration of the Montgomery Canal that will help create lasting benefits for local communities, the canal's rich wildlife and biodiversity, and visitors for generations to come."
Progress continues across the restoration programme, with floodplain enhancement work due to begin at Carreghofa and planning permission for a new crossing at Williams Bridge having just been granted.
