The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is calling for increased air draft clearance on replacement bridges planned for the Exeter Ship Canal, as Devon County Council moves forward with proposals to renew two ageing structures on the A379.
The council intends to replace the existing westbound steel swing bridge, dating from the 1930s, and the eastbound bascule bridge, installed in the early 1970s, both of which are approaching the end of their service lives. The new crossings will be modern bascule bridges, similar in principle to the current eastbound structure but updated in design.
The IWA supports the replacement programme but is urging the council to take the opportunity to increase air draft clearance on both bridges during construction. At present, the existing bascule bridge offers greater clearance than the swing bridge, limiting the range of vessels able to pass through without bridge operation.
By increasing clearance, the IWA argues that a wider range of leisure craft — including yachts with lowered masts — could pass beneath the bridges without them needing to open. This would improve navigation efficiency on the canal while also reducing delays to road traffic, as opening moveable bridges is both time-consuming and disruptive.
Devon County Council is currently reviewing feedback gathered during stakeholder workshops, with plans to progress to a public consultation in spring 2026.
