Liner missing in the canal!
SHROPSHIRE Union Canal volunteers have been continuing the restoration of the 330m dry section of the Montgomery Canal at Crickheath.
When finished, this will link the national network to the winding hole, which is in water.
The anticipated start of the waterproof lining of the 100m of shaped and prepared channel has been delayed due to Covid and Brexit issues. These have affected delivery from France of the chemical that impregnates the geotextile blanket, which is then sandwiched between two layers of plastic sheeting.
However considerable progress has been made with other construction and remedial issues.
As previously reported, the third section of towpath subsidence, next to the Crickheath winding hole, has been built up to a metre above the actual level and covered with a line of 76 IBCs – intermediate bulk containers – which were then filled with water to compress the stone. These will remain there for six months.
At the eastern end, the last depressed section has been ‘benched’. This involves steps being cut into the embankment and then thousands of tonnes of layers of stone are added on top of blankets of geogrid to stabilise these sides of the channel.
Another team of volunteers have transported 2000 concrete blocks by trailer from a previous site to the current position in readiness for the lining process to begin.
To compensate for time lost due to Covid restrictions, there are now two work parties per month until Christmas. New volunteers are always welcome. Interested parties should contact the Shropshire Union Canal website for details.