Project manager wanted for Montgomery bridge restoration

Published: Friday, 09 March 2018

SLOWLY but surely the Montgomery Canal is being restored, with the next stage being the rebuilding of the last bridge blockage in Shropshire.

For this, the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust needs the help of someone to take on the duties of project manager, hopefully in the form of a retired professional either who is retired or working down their working life.

Schoolhouse Lane BridgeSkilled volunteers

The Trust hopes to undertake the work by skilled volunteers, that would reduce costs to a level where the bridge works could be funded, it already having a qualified volunteer who has been working on the design for some months, with further volunteers enabling the work to be carried out. (The photograph shows the embankment of the proposed bridge.)

It is expected that construction could take six months, but it is expected that the preparation could take up to twelve months, with the Trust keen to press on as soon as a suitable project manager can be arranged, with Michael Limbrey, Chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, explaining:

Can be conducted at home

“This is a rôle that would suit someone retired or in the process of winding down their working life. We envisage a part-time position which could be largely conducted at home so the successful applicant would not have to live in the area.

“We are looking for someone with experience in civil engineering project management who would be able to work with varied skills and abilities. Many of our volunteers will have long experience of working on the Montgomery Canal or on other canal projects across the country, and are qualified to operate the machines they need, some of which are very big.

“Our project manager will work with a team undertaking the restoration under the supervision of the Montgomery Canal Partnership and will also have to ensure the bridge meets the requirements of the highway authority and the Canal & River Trust who own the canal.

“This is a unique opportunity to carry forward a unique canal restoration project. Rebuilding this bridge will open the way to restoration of the last length of derelict canal, which will be targetted after the current lottery-supported channel restoration to Crickheath Wharf has been completed.”

Appeal raised over £160,000

Anyone interested in the position is invited to contact John Dodwell, Chairman, Montgomery Canal Partnership at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07802-961485.

The Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal has now raised over £160,000 which is more than half the expected cost of the volunteer-led construction of the new bridge. The Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust is keen to receive further donations to the appeal through www.LocalGiving.org/RestoreTheMontgomeryCanal.