A MAJOR milestone has been reached in the restoration of the Lichfield Canal, with the installation of a new liftbridge over the canal route.
The three-day operation saw manufacturer ProMack Ltd position the steel structure over the historic canal line at Gallows Reach.
The bridge sits at a key point where the restored waterway will cross a long-established public right of way between Tamworth Road and Longbridge Road. It will normally remain in the lowered position for pedestrians, rising only when boats pass beneath once navigation is restored. This ensures the popular walking route remains open and accessible, while also enabling the canal to function as a navigable waterway in the future.
The project has been funded entirely through public generosity. Donations made during LHCRT’s 2022 Big Give Christmas Challenge contributed £39,000, including Gift Aid, alongside a legacy from a local supporter.
Work at Gallows Reach continues at pace; the trust expects this section of the canal to be in water by 2027.
