THE REASON FOR THE MAJOR LEAK in the Kelvin Aqueduct is the growth of self-set weeds and roots that have forced the masonry apart.
This is at Kelvin Aqueduct on the Forth & Clyde Canal, Janet Friend reports.
Leak
This has allowed the aqueduct to leak, so there is no navigation over the aqueduct as a dam has been erected in the waterway above. The towpath however remains open.
The dam was installed after the heavy rainfall over last week that was challenging, but it in now firmly in place until the masonry can be made safe.
It was five weeks ago the leakage was noticed with the engineers now deciding on whether the lining will work best long-term or if there is need to implement a more substantial repair before re-opening the structure.
Develop a solution
The aim is to develop a solution to the leakage to be implemented next year, with a temporary measure of removing the water lily roots, grout the masonry and line the trough with clay before allowing the water levels to return.