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Canal Collapse: "Deep-Seated Leak" Caused Major Breach
31 Mar
Summary
- A long-term leak likely eroded beneath the canal bed causing the collapse.
- Two narrowboats were submerged, and a third hung precariously.
- Canal repairs are expected to take most of the year to complete.
A major canal breach in Whitchurch, which occurred in December, has been tentatively attributed by the Canal and River Trust to a "long-term deep-seated leak" and the canal's steep, sandy embankment.
The incident left two narrowboats at the bottom of a trench and a third boat precariously positioned on the edge. The trust believes an undetectable leak beneath the canal bed eroded material, leading to the collapse.
Investigations have ruled out other factors like heavy rainfall or animal activity. While final conclusions await site clearance and inspection of nearby culverts, the trust acknowledges the distressing impact on boaters.
Repairs to the Llangollen Canal are projected to take most of the year. Construction, involving a 100m access track and 20,000 tonnes of aggregate, is slated to start this spring following ground investigations.
