Pontcysyllte Aqueduct gets a check

THE Canal & River Trust emptied Pontcysyllte Aqueduct of water recently to check that the aqueduct is in good condition.

Built as a cast iron trough supported by arches the aqueduct is regularly checked after its major refurbishment under the then British Waterways.

The work includes searching the structure for any leaks and examining the cast iron trough for problems, but this time all was clear.

Problem of supplying water

There is always the problem of water when the aqueduct is emptied as the Llangollen Canal, which it carries, supplies drinking water to the reservoir where the waterway joins the Shropshire Union, so pipes have to be installed to carry the water whilst work is being carried out on the structure.

The cost of the work was over £185,000, with a crowdfunding campaign being organised to raise £10,000 towards the amount.