Background | What to see | How to find it | History gallery
Background
The Lichfield Canal Aqueduct was built to carry the canal over the M6 Toll Motorway, just to the west of Lichfield and north of Birmingham. Restoration of the canal was threatened by the construction of the M6 Toll, which cut across the canal’s route. Funds were raised to build the aqueduct and it was installed in August 2003.
Although the Secretary of State instructed the road builders to provide the foundations in the bed of the road, they were not required to provide the supporting columns and abutments or the trough itself. We had to raise the necessary funding and make arrangements for the work to be carried out. It was obvious that it had to be completed before the motorway was completed and open to traffic.
So, in January 2001 the David Suchet Appeal was launched to raise funds for both the aqueduct and also a culvert for the Hatherton Canal to cross under the roads leading to the M6Toll near Cannock. Donations began to flow in from supporters and sympathisers all over the country in response to our cry for help and we also received a grant of £250,000 from the Manifold Trust, to add to the funds.
Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August 2003 saw a magnificent achievement in our history – the Lichfield Canal Aqueduct was put in place across the M6 Toll, ensuring that the new motorway was no longer a threat to restoration of our two canals.
The aqueduct is now ready to be connected and put in use at the appropriate time, with a deep lock on the Lichfield side (which replaces the two original locks) and an embankment on the Brownhills side. We are currently working at other sections of the canal as set out in our operational plan.
What to see
You can visit the aqueduct if you walk the Summerhill section a lovely 2km walk (including the return trip). Public access is available from the entrance near Walsall Road, by the Boat Inn.
How to find it
Address: Walsall Road, Summerhill, Lichfield, WS14 0BU
Maps: Google maps | /// obstruction.housework.formation
Parking: Sorry, there is no designated parking area but there is a small amount of on-street parking.
Interactive map
View Larger Map
History gallery
Click on the image to enlarge it and read the caption.
