Residents visit new Carreghofa Lane Bridge

The local community around Llanymynech was given a look at progress on the new Carreghofa Lane Bridge at the weekend, as construction continues as part of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales.

More than 60 people visited the site to meet officials from Glandŵr Cymru and main contractor Kier to see the progress being made on the new bridge. The structure will replace a causeway installed in the 1960s that severed the canal and, once complete, will carry traffic along Carreghofa Lane over the restored waterway.

The bridge will provide enough headroom for boats to pass underneath and allow towpath users to walk beneath the carriageway, helping reconnect this section of the canal for future navigation and eventually allow boats to reach Welshpool. 

The open day gave local people a special opportunity to go on site and see the construction up close ahead of the bridge’s expected completion in early 2027 and learn more about the environmental and technical detail too.

Local schoolchildren have also recently visited to learn more about the project and watch its progress.

Glandŵr Cymru is restoring a 4.4-mile section of the Montgomery Canal between Llanymynech and Maerdy that has been unnavigable since the 1930s. The project forms part of a UK Government-funded investment, delivered by the charity in partnership with Powys County Council and supported by the Montgomery Canal Partnership.

Marina Churm, community engagement co-ordinator at Glandŵr Cymru, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many people from the local community to Carreghofa Lane Bridge and share the progress being made on this important project.

“The event gave people the chance to learn more about the work taking place, ask questions and find out about the next stages of the canal restoration. It was also a valuable opportunity for us to hear local views and talk about the long-term benefits the restoration will bring.

“The bridge is a significant milestone in the restoration of the Montgomery Canal that will help create lasting benefits for local communities, the canal's rich wildlife and biodiversity, and visitors for generations to come.”

Progress continues across the restoration programme, with floodplain enhancement work due to begin at Carreghofa and planning permission for a new crossing at Williams Bridge having just been granted.