The 10-week project is due to start at the end of March and will involve the temporary closure of the A534 Chester Road which runs underneath the aqueduct. We're keen to share our plans with local residents, and so we're taking over a market stall in Nantwich Square.
Sarah Lalieu, from the Canal & River Trust, explains: “Nantwich Aqueduct is a Grade II* listed building, built by Thomas Telford in 1826, and forms an important gateway to Nantwich. For almost two centuries it has carried boats and water over the Chester Road but, like any historic building, it requires careful and specialist repairs from time to time.
"To do this we inevitably have to close the road for a short period. We're mindful that this will cause some disruption for local people and we want to keep this to the absolute minimum – for example by scheduling works to avoid the Nantwich Jazz Festival over the Easter weekend.
“We are holding an open day in the town on 19 February to answer any questions people might have and anyone who can't make it can contact me at [email protected].”
Repairing the stone and brickwork
Work will include carefully removing several layers of old paint from the aqueduct's cast iron trough, replacing a missing cast iron panel, repairing the stone and brickwork and applying four coats of paint. The aqueduct will be enclosed in protective sheeting and scaffolding during the work.
The aqueduct carries the Shropshire Union Canal which will remain open to navigation throughout the project. However the towpath, which runs alongside the canal, will be closed to walkers and cyclists.
The project is being paid for thanks to £135,000 of public donations together with funding from Cheshire East Council (£40,000), Nantwich Town Council (£20,000), Acton, Edleston & Henhull Parish Council (£3,000) and the Nantwich Partnership (£2,000).
