A NEW bridge has finally relinked the Trans Pennine Trail as part of £6 million works at the Chesterfield Canal in Derbyshire. The bridge replaced an old brick structure, which was knocked down 30 years ago, and is the first phase of the canal restoration programme.
The new Trans Pennine Trail bridge, weighing 40 tonnes and measuring 38 metres, was lowered into place after being delivered to the site in two halves.
The project has been managed by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. It is the first phase of a £6 million canal restoration scheme. Most of the money will come from the Staveley Town Deal, a £25.2 million investment in Staveley through the Government’s Towns Fund, covering 10 projects in all.
Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is not only a huge milestone for the Chesterfield Canal Trust but also for the Staveley Town Deal. Work to restore the canal is one of our key projects and will help attract more visitors and improve outdoor facilities for residents. There has a been a lot of hard work to get to this point and I want to thank all the staff and volunteers at the trust for their efforts.”
O’Brien Contractors readied the site and installed the massive bearing structures. CTS Bridges delivered the two halves of the bridge on October 8. These were welded together and painted before the final lift took place.
O’Brien Contractors director Tony Mitchell said: “The installation of the bridge marks the continuing works towards the reinstatement of the Chesterfield Canal and O’Brien Contractors are proud that we have been able to contribute to this.”
Next year, a length of canal will be reinstated under the bridge along with a new lock and another accommodation bridge at the bottom of Bellhouse Lane. There will also be a pumping system and Bellhouse Basin will be restored. The towpath will be upgraded to a multi-user trail, stretching over two kilometres all the way across the Doe Lea Valley to Renishaw.
Finally, the whole area will be planted with wildlife friendly vegetation and a seating area will be installed for people to enjoy the tranquillity of the newly restored canal. You will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website.
Rod Auton, publicity officer for the Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “This is an incredibly important achievement for the trust. It proves to our supporters and to potential funders that we can take on huge engineering challenges and bring them to fruition.”
