THE Canal & River Trust is upgrading four of the the wooden lift bridges on the Oxford Canal.
The work on the Chisnell Lift Bridge (pictured) has been made possible thanks to support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, while the installations at Shipton, Wolvercote and Perry’s are being undertaken as part of the trust’s winter works programme.
The four bridges being upgraded are operated using a simple counterbalance system with boaters pulling a rope to open the bridge, with it sometimes slipping through a hand and occasionally crashing down.
Converted to manual hydraulic
They are now to be converted manual hydraulic winding mechanisms which it is understood will enable safer navigational passage for boaters and access across the canal for pedestrians and vehicles.
The trust has been granted Listed Building Consent for the installation of the manual hydraulic winding mechanisms.
The work will enhance the longevity of the structure by providing more controlled opening and closing.
Safer to operate
Canal & River Trust director for London and South East, Ros Daniels told:
“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.”
The upgraded bridges should be ready for operation by next year.