EMERGENCY repair work to the UK’s longest canal and adjacent river has prevented the two waterways from merging.
Recent heavy rainfall meant flooding from the River Soar found its way into the nearby Grand Union Canal and the increased pressure on canal walls meant vital repairs were necessary.
The remote location of the flashpoint meant any repairs needed to be done from the waterway.
Marine engineering firm Rothen Group was able to repair the damaged area using a digger on a pontoon, a tugboat and hopper.
Rothen Group founder Ian Rothen said: “The towpaths and banksides around these waterways provide flood protection for the nearby area. Consequently, the erosion of canal walls in these areas can have a catastrophic effect on local housing and businesses. Had these works not been carried out, more of the bank would have crashed and led to a real risk that the river and canal would merge, with the buildup of silt in the river seriously disrupting life in the area for the foreseeable future. By successfully completing this project, we have been able to avert this situation.”
When a member of the public drew down the section between Lock 37 and Lock 38 to create a barrier between the overflowing River Soar and nearby properties, water pressure supporting the pilings dropped. In turn, the sides of the canal could no longer withstand the strain from the overflowing river water and subsequently flooding into the empty canal.
As a result, damage occurred to the canal walls and towpath that required immediate attention.
If this existing bank protection were to fail completely, considering the increasing frequency of extreme weather events – the risk of the canal and larger River Soar bleeding into each other would increase.
