Updates
26/01/2021 16:41
We are pleased to advise navigation will resume at Bridge 43, Punchbowl Bridge on the Rochdale Canal tomorrow morning, Wednesday 27 January from 9am.
Please note, further restrictions are required to allow for third party investigations, notice of which will be provided in due course.
25/01/2021 17:30
We are pleased to advise works to make Bridge 43, Punchbowl Bridge on the Rochdale Canal safe for navigation are now complete, however further discussions need to take place before navigation can resume.
An update will be provided tomorrow, Tuesday 26 January.
11/01/2021 16:10
Our contractors are mobilising onsite at Bridge 43, Punchbowl Bridge on the Rochdale Canal today, to carry out works to make the third-party owned bridge safe for navigation.
Whilst our engineers found an area of delaminating concrete of around 4 sq.m, it remains possible that once works start we may uncover a larger area, which could impact the timescale of these works.
However, we anticipate works will take 2 to 3 weeks and a further update will be provided by Monday 25 January.
22/12/2020 11:58
Unfortunately we have not received a response from the third-party owners of Bridge 43, Punchbowl Bridge and we are now exercising our powers under the BW Act 1995, to enable us to carry out works to make the bridge safe for navigation following the emergency closure. We have been working closely with Rochdale Council who are installing traffic management to the road and bridge in the form of concrete barriers and signs to warn motorists that the road has been narrowed. This traffic management should reduce the risk of further deterioration but does not address the significant risk from the loose, delaminating concrete.
This week we are undertaking further inspections, along with our contractors, to establish the scope and design of the repair needed to make this bridge safe for our customers. It is our aim to reopen navigation before the start of the 2021 cruising season.
The area of delaminating concrete is approx. 90 mm thick and covers an area of 1300mm x 3900mm, which is a significant safety hazard to canal users. As the safety of our customers is paramount, navigation will remain closed and a further update will be provided by Monday 11 January 2021.
13/11/2020 16:29
Discussions and investigations continue into the repair works needed to third-party owned bridge, Bridge 43, Punchbowl Bridge on the Rochdale Canal.
Our teams are working with local authorities to establish a method of repair, however, due to reasons beyond our control, we anticipate navigation will remain closed between Lock 36 and Lock 45 for the duration of the winter period.
A further update will be provided by Monday 11 January 2021.
23/10/2020 13:27
Please be advised navigation remains closed between Lock 36 and Lock 45 on the Rochdale Canal whilst our teams await further updates from the third-party bridge owners to facilitate repairs to Bridge 43.
An update will be provided by Friday, 13 November 2020.
16/10/2020 14:03
Please be advised navigation remains closed between Lock 36 and Lock 45 on the Rochdale Canal whilst our teams liaise with external authorities to facilitate repairs to the third-party bridge.
A further update will be provided Friday, 23 October 2020.
12/10/2020 13:58
Our engineers have confirmed that the underside of the bridge is unstable. The bridge is not owned by Canal & River Trust, but to ensure the safety of our customers, navigation between Lock 36 and Lock 45 on the Rochdale Canal will remain closed until the bridge is repaired.
An update will be provided by Friday, 16 October.
09/10/2020 16:27
Our engineers have been to site and assessed the damage to the third-party bridge. Whilst investigations continue with the local authorities, navigation between Lock 36 and Lock 45 on the Rochdale Canal will remain closed.
An update will be provided by Friday, 16th October.
09/10/2020 09:44
For the safety of our customers, navigation is closed between Lock 36 and Lock 45 on the Rochdale Canal to prevent movement in the area.
A further update will be issued this afternoon.
