The Canal Aqueduct over the Irwell River
One of the most significant rivers, that affected the course of the Industrial Revolution in England, was the Irwell River. Located in the counties of Lancashire and Greater Manchester, the Irwell River traverses through Manchester and Salford, serving as a dividing line for the two cities and eventually joining the River Mersey. The source of the Irwell River is traced to Cliviger in Lancashire. The river was instrumental in shaping the cotton industry of the 18th century.
Janes Brindley originally built the Bridgewater Canal in order to aid in the transport of goods and other cargo. It became clear early on however that the crossing of the Irwell Valley presented its own unique set of problems of which a solution was quickly needed. This need led to the development of the canal carrying bridge across the Irwell River, which was later widely recognized to be the world's first commercially driven aqueduct.
Measuring 12 meters tall, 200 meters long and 11 meters wide, with a distinctive three arch design, the aqueduct was a stunning piece of Victorian engineering accomplishment. It formally opened in 1761 and quickly became known all over the area as "the Castle in the Air". The opening of the aqueduct provided a much-needed boost to the industrial efforts in the area.
One of the most notable features of the Irwell River is of course the Barton Swing Aqueduct, which is a remarkable feat of civil engineering from the late Victorian period of England's history. It is located at Barton upon Irwell in the north-western part of England and its primary function is to carry the Bridgewater Canal over the Manchester Ship Canal.
The Barton Swing Aqueduct is actually a type of Swing Bridge and when it is in the closed position, it is possible for canal traffic to traverse the Bridgewater Canal. When it is necessary for larger vessels to pass along the Ship Canal, the design of the entire mechanism allows the huge iron trough to be swung ninety degrees along a pivot that is built onto a small man-made island in the Ship's Canal.
This iron trough is of quite an impressive size measuring 234 feet long and weighing an impressive 800 tons. Gates have been built on either side of the trough in order to hold up to 800 tons of water within the trough itself, with other gates on either bank holding water in the adjacent areas of the canal.
In times past, there was originally a towpath suspended along the entire length of the aqueduct although it has since been removed mostly for safety reasons.
The swing aqueduct was primarily the brainchild of Sir Edward Leader Williams who was an engineer of the Manchester Ship Canal Company. Williams was also in charge of the design efforts another major canal moving project, the Anderton Boat lift, which is located in Cheshire. Andrew Handyside who was from Derby in England was in charge of the actual building of the aqueduct.
The swinging aqueduct officially became operational in 1893.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 21/07/2008
