Potter's Lock Bridge Over The Erewash Canal - Ilkeston, UK - Arch Bridges on Waymarking.com

Erewash Canal
The canal was built in 1779 to connect the River Trent at Trentlock to the Cromford Canal at Langley Bridge.

"There was much enthusiasm for the construction of this canal from supporters anxious to access coal and other goods along the Erewash Valley. Its enabling Act was passed in 1777 and, under engineer John Varley, the line was opened in 1779. The ensuing trade realised huge profits despite a mistake by Varley in calculating water levels, for which he was dismissed, that necessitated rebuilding the top lock only a year later.

The transportation of coal, quarry stone, bricks and metal goods at high financial return continued until the railways began to seriously erode profitability around the mid 19th Century. Through traffic via the Cromford and Nottingham Canals had collapsed and the only substantive operations remaining were in iron goods from the Stanton works and coal.

The Erewash Canal was bought by the Grand Union in 1932 and underwent a brief revival in carrying coal. More unusual cargoes included bomb shells during World War II and its last major commercial use was by boats serving Stanton.

In 1962 the former British Transport Commission declared the canal unnavigable above Gallows Inn to the north of the junction with the abandoned Nutbrook Canal.

In 1968 The Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association was created and restoration work led to the Erewash Canal being upgraded in the 1980s from 'remainder' to 'cruiseway' status as defined by the Transport Act 1968. The Association celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2008 with a special boat rally attended by over 100 boats." link

The Bridge
The Bridge carries minor road Monks Close over the canal to a farm on the north side of the canal. A public footpath also leads away from the bridge and over a nearby railway line.

Bridges are often built next to locks as the canal is at its narrowest there and makes the bridge cheaper and easier to build.

What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists What kind of gap does this bridge cross?: The Erewash canal Date constructed: 1779 Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: Yes Name of road or trail the bridge services: Monks Close Location: Erewash, Derbyshire Length of bridge: Not listed Height of bridge: Not listed

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