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Regeneration and the loss of Canal Heritage

Heartland

Heartland

master brummie
The face of Birmingham Canals have changed dramatically since the 1990's. It is often difficult now to identify authentic element of the past from what is now in their place.

At Gas Street there is a footbridge that has a steep curve to cross over the water at the Bar Lock. Why it was built in this fashion is a mystery as a level bridge crossing the lock would have been more user friendly. It has a ramp from Worcester Bar and a level bridge would have been ideal for wheel chairs. Erected in British Waterways times it resembled the hump back road bridges enshrined in its logo of the time.

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Before the bridge was constructed there was a plank across the waterway from Worcester Bar.
 
This view from 2010 but from the side near Regency Wharf. Probably makes it look more like a traditional canal footbridge.

 
I think the bridge looks more in keeping with Birmingham's canals as most perceive them today. Many erstwhile things are,, sadly, not encouraged at present especially with times of zealous health and safety regulations. They certainly would not permit planks, from which people could overbalance, or slip off, to be in place. That might have been fine for working boats, when mostly they people using the canals were familiar with the place and the infrastructure, even then quite a few fell in, on their way home ;), but not for casual or pleasure purposes.
 
Try walking across the bridge in ice and snow. All other bridges, including the Horseley Iron Bridges do not have the camber of the Gas Street footbridge!
 
Radiorails said:
I think the bridge looks more in keeping with Birmingham's canals as most perceive them today. Many erstwhile things are,, sadly, not encouraged at present especially with times of zealous health and safety regulations. They certainly would not permit planks, from which people could overbalance, or slip off, to be in place. That might have been fine for working boats, when mostly they people using the canals were familiar with the place and the infrastructure, even then quite a few fell in, on their way home ;), but not for casual or pleasure purposes.
Click to expand...

Grenfell Tower shows the times of zealous health and safety regulations are receding!
 
There were many roving bridges on the BCN to be seen on a train journey from New Street to Wolverhampton and beyond on the former LMS line. A place that was always of interest - providing the train wasn't travelling too fast - was Don Everals yard as there were old buses there usually.
 
In 1983, the restored steam powered narrow boat went down the locks at Farmer's Bridge to Newhall Street and was part of the traction engine event.

Not able to turn around it had to reverse back up the locks.

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The canal side buildings have been replaced by residential properties
 
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