WORK on the new Upper Mills Bridge over the Stroudwater canal at Stonehouse is now well underway, with completion on schedule for Christmas.

There will be two open days to see the work Friday, November 19, 1-4pm, and on Saturday, November 20, 10am-2pm.

The project will see the existing swing bridge replaced with a new fixed bridge, leading from the A419 into the Upper Mills Industrial Estate.

Led by Stroud District Council and funded mainly by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this restoration project will mean the canal channel is unobstructed between Ocean Bridge at Stonehouse and Ryeford Double Lock.

The short stretch of the canal will be re-aligned and widened, taking advantage of height differences on the site, to allow canal boats sufficient headroom to go under the new fixed bridge. "Everyone who lives locally has really got behind the project which will see this stretch of canal operational again after around fifty years of inactivity," said Britannia’s project manager, Philip Wyatt, who lives in Stonehouse.

"Together with Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to our open days when they will have the chance to learn more about the project, and the work we have been carrying out."

Britannia has now completed the installation of 154 steel piles to support the bridge and canal bank. The piles range in length from six to ten metres, and have been driven into the ground with a state of the art, 70 tonne piling rig.

Completion of the bridge will enable Stroud District Council to dredge the canal between Ocean Bridge and Ryeford.

Once the bridge is complete, Britannia will fix the nameplates from the old swing bridge originally built in the 1920’s by T.H. & J. Daniels Ltd Engineers, from Stroud onto the new one.

The bridge was strengthened and fixed in position in 1959 when the waterway was no longer used for navigation.

As well as having the experts on hand from Britannia and Stroud District Council’s Canal Team to talk to visitors about the project, activities will be provided for the younger generation. Refreshments will also be available.