Over the last year we've had to spend over £1 million to repair hump back bridges - money which could be better used maintaining and looking after our canals.
The latest bridge to be hit is Gamnel Bridge (Bridge 2) which crosses the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal near Tring. The repair is expected to cost tens of thousands of pounds as the brick parapet is badly damaged and will need to be taken down and completely rebuilt.
History is lost
Will Swinburn from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Hump-back bridges are synonymous with our wonderful canals, connecting us to our past and to a slower pace of life. Each time a bridge is hit a small bit of history is lost and it is heart-breaking for us to spend so much time and money caring for these amazing structures just to see them damaged.
“In this case the motorist stopped and left their insurance details so we should be able to claim back most of the cost of the repair but if motorists just slowed down a bit and took more care and attention then they would really help protect our canal heritage.”
Tringford Road will be closed for the duration of the repair works with a signed diversion route in place.
