Bridges: timber and cast iron
Wooden bridges were common during the hey day of the canals because they were cheap to build, especially compared with brick or masonry bridges.
Wooden bridge walkways could be constructed using just a single timber beam.
Cast iron bridges were also popular on certain canals. These elegant structures – built to a common design - can be seen today around Birmingham and the Black Country Canals. They were also used to take the towpath over the old abandoned loops of the Oxford Canal when the northern section was straightened in the 19th century.
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