Gloucester and Sharpness Canal bridge found to have cracks

A canal bridge is unable to be opened after cracks were found.

Boats entering or exiting the docks will be unable to pass under the High Orchard bridge which crosses the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

Boats under 16ft (5m) in height will still be able to navigate the canal, but the bridge will remain closed until repair work has been completed.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) said works are planned to take place over the next two weeks.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the charity said: "The Canal and River Trust is progressing works to High Orchard Bridge, which carries St Ann Way over the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

"Whilst boats will still be able to navigate the canal, the bridge will remain in its closed position until the repairs are completed. This will unfortunately restrict the use of the canal for taller boats."

Richard Graham, the MP for Gloucester, said cracks were observed in the structural welds at the base of the bridge masts during an inspection last week.

He added that the CRT has been liaising with Gloucestershire County Council to ensure that risks associated with the discovery are "appropriately managed" and have consulted "extensively" with experts internally and externally.

Scaffolding has been put in place and an ultra sonic scan of the affected welds was carried out on Thursday to inform the extent of the repairs required.

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