Winkwell Swing Bridge reopens to navigation

THE Grand Union Canal is open for navigation again through Hemel Hempstead.

The completion of the repairs to Winkwell Swing Bridge yesterday, Tuesday, means the boats awaiting passage at the location can now continue, Keith Gudgin reports.

Two weeks

Failure of the swing bridge for two weeks caused no little disruption, though after the furore from boaters stuck at this popular location, Canal & River Trust did allow a one hour window during the fortnight for boats to pass through the stoppage.

On this occasion the bridge was manually operated to allow the boats to pass.

Four other long stoppages

There is yet no notice of the four other long stoppages that at present are preventing navigation.