A familiar part of the Oxfordshire landscape for nearly 250 years, the wooden lift bridges were built to allow local farmers and residents to cross the newly dug canal.
However, with funding for the construction of the 18th Century canal tight, instead of more expensive fixed ‘humpback' brick structures, cheaper-to-install lift bridges were built in their place along the Banbury to Oxford stretch. The four bridges being upgraded are currently operated using a simple counterbalance system and are among nineteen Grade II-listed accommodation lift bridges on the Oxford Canal.
Wear and tear on the ageing bridges, coupled with weather conditions and occasional incorrect usage, can result in the lift mechanism not functioning properly.
Preserving special heritage interest
The Trust has been granted Listed Building Consent for the installation of manual hydraulic winding mechanisms which will enable safer navigational passage for boaters and access across the canal for pedestrians and vehicles. The work will enhance the longevity of the structure by providing more controlled opening and closing, while also preserving their special heritage interest.
It is anticipated that the total project spend across the four bridge upgrades will be in the region of £650,000.
Work on Chisnell lift bridge (no.193) has been made possible thanks to support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, while the installations at Shipton (no.219), Wolvercote (no.233) and Perry’s (no.234) are being undertaken as part of the Trust’s winter programme of works.
Opened in 1790
Officially opened on January 1st 1790, the Oxford Canal originally carried coal from the West Midlands to Oxford and London and was a commercial success for almost half a century until the arrival of the railway. It is now considered to be one of the most picturesque parts of the Canal & River Trust’s 2,000-mile network across England and Wales.
Ros Daniels, Canal & River Trust director for London & South East, said:
“For many people these bridges are the defining feature of the Oxford Canal. I’m delighted that our charity, with the support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, is able to make them fit for the 21st century in a way which makes them safer to operate and more durable while retaining their unique look and heritage value.”
