Works started to fix collapsed culvert on Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Work has begun to repair a collapsed culvert beneath the Leeds & Liverpool in Melling, Liverpool, which caused thousands of litres of water to drain from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal last month.

1,300 tonnes of stone have been used to install water-tight dams either side of the drained section of canal giving access to the canal bed and the collapsed culvert beneath it.

The culvert, which is a large pipe carrying a stream beneath the canal, collapsed on Tuesday 12 June between Bridge 9c and Bridge 10 at Melling. Staff from the Canal & River Trust helped the emergency services to stop the flow of water which initially channelled into an adjacent field.

With the charity, a programme of works has now begun to install a new culvert, estimating that the repairs are likely to cost between £500-£550k. The aim is to have the stretch of canal back open by mid- August.

A huge fish rescue took place and last month when volunteers helped the Trust clear the drained canal of debris and rubbish that had built up beneath the waterline over the years.

Richard Spencer, senior project manager at the Trust says: “We’ve been working hard over the last few weeks installing the permanent dams to allow access into the canal bed to install the new pipe. The Leeds & Liverpool is a wonderful place for local people to walk and cycle and to escape to, so we’re doing all we can to get it fixed and reopened as quickly as possible.

“As a charity, I’d like to thank all those who came out and volunteered earlier this month to help clear all the litter and debris from the canal. Volunteers give up their own time to make the canals such wonderful places and their support is invaluable.”