Stone Bridge 53 On The Rochdale Canal – Smithy Bridge, UK - Arch Bridges on Waymarking.com

The Canal History
The Rochdale Canal was completed in 1804 and is one of three canals that cross the Pennine hills. This is the only one that doesn’t use tunnels. In addition it was a broad canal with bridges and locks that allowed boats of 14 feet width to pass through.

Competition from railways and roads subsequently led to a decline in goods being carried and by 1937 the only section left in operation was at the Manchester end of the canal.

In 1965 there was talk of abandoning the canal but by this time leisure boating had become very popular in the UK and there was a campaign to keep it open. Work was started to repair the canal and the whole length finally reopened in September 2007. As well as leisure boats, the canal attracts lots of walkers and cyclists along the tow path.

Details of this bridge
Bridge 53 is also known as Lodge Bridge and became an English Heritage Grade II listed building on 23rd April 1986. According to the listing “it was built between 1794 and 1798 and William Jessop was the engineer.

It also states it is a hump-backed bridge with elliptical keystone arch and rusticated voussoirs that was originally built as a road bridge but now only used as a footbridge.”

The top of the bridge is unpaved and there are wooden posts to prevent motorised traffic using it.

The side of the bridge is also used to carry electric cables across the canal which according to a sign attached to them rates the cables at 6000 volts.

What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Pedestrians, bikes What kind of gap does this bridge cross?: The Rochdale canal Date constructed: Between 1794 and 1798 Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: No - now restricted to vehicles but still in use as a footpath Name of road or trail the bridge services: Unnamed path Location: Smithy Bridge Length of bridge: Not listed Height of bridge: Not listed

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