Astmoor Crossover Bridge Over Bridgewater Canal - Halton, UK - Arch Bridges on Waymarking.com

The Bridgewater Canal
"The Bridgewater Canal connects Runcorn, Manchester and Leigh, in North West England. It was commissioned by Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, to transport coal from his mines in Worsley to Manchester. It was opened in 1761 from Worsley to Manchester, and later extended from Manchester to Runcorn, and then from Worsley to Leigh.

Often considered to be the first "true" canal in England, as it relied upon existing watercourses as sources of water rather than as navigable routes. Navigable throughout its history, it is one of the few canals in Britain not to have been nationalised, and remains privately owned. Pleasure craft now use the canal which forms part of the Cheshire Ring network of canals." link

The Bridge
The reason for the crossover bridge is described here.
"The connection to Manchester was delayed by Sir Richard Brooke of Norton Priory. Concerned that boatmen might poach his game and wildfowl, Brooke did not want the canal to pass through his land. The Act included several stipulations: the canal should not come within 325 metres (1,066 ft) of his house; the towpath should be on the south side of the canal, furthest away from Brooke's house; there should be no quays, buildings, hedges or fences to obstruct the view; no vessels were to be moored within 1,000 metres (3,281 ft) of the house, other than during construction." link

One side of the bridge has a curved cobblestone ramp. This method of construction allowed the horses towing the canal boats to cross to the other side of the bridge without having to disconnect the tow rope.

A second crossover bridge at Norton returns the towpath to the other side of the canal.

On most UK canals the bridges are numbered, but on the Bridgewater Canal they are named, the style of the nameplates is white background with green lettering.

What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Pedestrians and cyclists and originally horses towing the canal boats What kind of gap does this bridge cross?: The Bridgewater Canal Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: Yes Name of road or trail the bridge services: Bridgewater Canal towpath Location: Halton, Cheshire Length of bridge: Not listed Height of bridge: Not listed Date constructed: Not listed

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