Work to install a lift bridge across the line of the restored canal between Longbridge Road and Tamworth Road will start on Monday 30 June 2025—a key step in restoring the historic canal route.
The bridge forms part of the Gallows Reach section of canal between London Road and Borrowcop Locks Canal Park. This section is on track to be completed and in water by the end of 2026.
The restored canal will cut across a public right of way between Longbridge Road and Tamworth Road, so the lift bridge is a vital addition, ensuring that once the canal is reinstated, residents will still have a direct route.
Although the majority of the Lichfield Canal is being restored by volunteers, this project required specialist contractors and will be carried out by Walsh Construction and ProMack Ltd.
Work will start on Monday, with initial set up and foundation works by Walsh Construction due to take approximately one week.
Following this, there will be a short pause in activity to allow the concrete foundations to gain full strength. Once this curing period is complete, the lift bridge will be erected by ProMack and is scheduled for completion by 21 July.
This bridge has been made possible thanks to the generosity of supporters during LHCRT’s Big Give Christmas Challenge appeal in 2022, which raised £39,000 in donations and Gift Aid towards the project.
Derek Lord, Planning and Technical Trustee of LHCRT, said:
“This lift bridge represents more than just a crossing—it’s a symbol of the progress we’re making in bringing this canal back to life.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated through the Big Give appeal, helping us to make this lift bridge a reality. We’d also like to thank local residents for their patience during the construction phase—we recognise there may be some temporary disruption, and we’re working hard to keep this to a minimum.”
