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Historic waterway bridge gets a heritage makeover

9th Dec 2008

Unique Glanhafren Bridge over the Montgomery Canal near Garthmyl has received a timely makeover, providing a safe and durable crossing for years to come.

The ornate bridge is a Grade II listed structure located midway between the historic border towns of Welshpool and Newtown. It was built to carry a driveway over the canal to nearby Glanhafren House, itself a building rich in local heritage.

The decorative parapets and cast iron beams of the bridge are unique along the entire Montgomery Canal. The name, number and date of the bridge were painstakingly cast into their exterior faces at the time of its construction in 1889.

However, time has taken its toll on the elegant structure, leading British Waterways’ engineers to undertake a careful restoration in-keeping with its original design.

The project involved replacing the outermost deck timbers, which had been subject the greatest wear and were severely decayed.

Heritage and Environment Manager Peter Birch said in addition to the bridge’s historic value, it is important as the sole form of access for several properties between the canal and the river at Glanhafren.

“We were able to use surplus timber from a previous job. This meant we could replace the original 1889 timbers with similar wood, adding a stone finish over the timbers to provide a smooth running surface and protection for the cast iron support beams,” said Mr Birch.

“The replacement timber has the same dimensions as the original timber and the stone surfacing on the deck has been exactly reinstated, so we have been as faithful to the original design as possible,” he added.

The 120 year old bridge is still an important link for nearby homes, in addition to being an important heritage feature and visitor attraction. Further maintenance is planned to spruce up the structure’s parapets and railings next summer, when weather conditions are more favourable.

Kevin Bell, the Montgomery Canal Partnership Development Manager, said: “The Montgomery Canal continues to play a key role in the area as a magnet for tourists and local visitors. Work on the long term restoration of the canal continues, in the meantime our commitment to sensitive refurbishment of landmarks along the canal adds to the appeal of this unique waterway, keeping the campaign for re-opening alive and well.”

Last updated: 09/12/2008