Landslip closes North Oxford Canal
THE Canal & River Trust had to close a section of the North Oxford Canal near the village of Brinklow in Warwickshire after an 18m-high section of embankment slipped, blocking the canal and the towpath.
This followed a period of intense, heavy rainfall and resulted in a huge amount of soil, debris and large mature trees being deposited into the canal, all requiring specialist removal.
In the latest update Richard Preston, regional operations manager, said: “The slip is very extensive and there is still movement, both on the exposed main slip face and on the isolated sections opposite.”
However the team has made good progress and cleared all the vegetation next to the slip area. Work has also started on removing some of the slipped material and it is still hoped to reopen the canal on Monday, April 8 although this could change given the challenges faced.
It is estimated that around 4000 tonnes of material needs to be moved and there has also been another minor slip next to Bridge 84 nearby.
Richard commented: “This damage is one of the very real effects we’re seeing of climate change affecting our canals.
Increasing extremes in weather patterns are bringing considerable challenges to our ageing infrastructure.
“While the effects of storms are dramatic, heavy rain isn't the only climate challenge facing the waterways. Long, dry spells can also be a serious problem, causing earth structures to dry out and increasing their vulnerability to erosion, especially when followed by intense rainfall when the weather breaks.”
Designed by canal engineer James Brindley, the Oxford Canal was opened in sections between 1774 and 1790, with the purpose of bringing coal from the Coventry coalfields to Oxford and the River Thames. Nowadays the canal, with its meandering contours, is a popular place for leisure, with Hillmorton Locks in Rugby the busiest canal locks in England and Wales.
Boaters, walkers and cyclists can keep up to date with the works progress via the stoppage notices page https://canalrivertrust. org.uk/notices/27385easenhall- cuttingbrinklow-oxford-canal