Bridge 14 Over The Caldon Canal - Bucknall, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 01.817 W 002° 09.450
30U E 556500 N 5875970
This brick single arch bridge is a pedestrian bridge over the Caldon Canal and is known as Botany Bay Bridge.
Waymark Code: WM10605
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/04/2019
Views: 4
The Caldon Canal
The Caldon Canal opened in 1779 to carry Peak District limestone, from the quarries at Cauldon Low, down to the Potteries and the industrial Midlands. A short branch was built 18 years later connceting the Caldon with the town of Leek. Another branch extended the navigation to Uttoxeter but this lasted only until 1845 when it was closed and replaced with a railway line.
Freight traffic deserted the Caldon shortly after the construction of a parallel railway line and the canal became virtually unnavigable by the 1960s. Enthusiasts were justifiably vocal in clamouring for its restoration and it was brought back into use in 1974.
The Uttoxeter Branch still lies derelict but work has recently started on rebuilding the very first lock. Similarly, the final mile of the Leek Branch is no longer navigable, but plans are now being hatched to restore navigation across a surviving aqueduct further towards the town."
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The bridge originally carried vehicles but they are now prohibited and the bridge is only used for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge is near a bend in the canal and the towropes used to rub against the bridge. A metal post was installed to prevent damage, but this has been removed at some point.