Marple Flight culvert hole repaired after four months

THE MARPLE FLIGHT hole on the Peak Forest Canal that appeared on the 7th of November has been repaired after four months.

Now open

With the Marple Flight now open for navigation, Keith Gudgin reports.

Though the notice from Canal & River Trust state 'Navigation: closed'.

In November the large hole was discovered that had caused damage to a culvert at Lock 14 on the Marple Flight. The flight was then closed to safely investigate and assess the situation.

Following this it was confirmed there was a failure in the by-wash culvert near Lock 14 on the Marple Flight. To understand the extent of the damage, excavation work was undertaken to assess the condition of the culvert and determine the necessary repairs.

This effected water levels so the flight was closed to navigation.

Significant damage

Eventually it was discovered the culvert has suffered significant damage from the tree roots and will need a complete rebuild along a six metre length. At this time a few weekly assisted passages were allowed.

Engineers were continuing exploring a different repair methods that took it into January, then started repairs that i was stated would be completed by the end of February. But it was yesterday, 13th March that the repairs were completed and the navigation open.