Improvements to Grand Union Canal at Southall

6 November 2008

The works, which were carried out by BW's contractors Morrison Construction, involved carrying out structural reinforcement of Spike’s bridge by installing tie rods with patress plates, tarmac resurfacing to the ramps, brick work repairs and the installation of removable bollards at Dane’s Road bridge entrance.

The bollards have been installed in response to complaints received about cars and motorbikes using the pedestrian bridge as a shortcut; disturbing local residents and becoming a dangerous nuisance on the towpath and nearby roads and footpaths.

Antonia Zotali, Project Manager for British Waterways London, explains:

"Our canals and rivers are over 200 years old so they need constant maintenance to ensure they provide safe leisure destinations for all our visitors. The surface of the footbridge at Spike’s bridge, which carries the Grand Union Canal towpath over Southall, was cracked, parts of the brick work had reached the end of their working life. The work undertaken is in-keeping with the characteristics of the original bridge, but improves the look of the bridge and access on the approach ramps with a new anti-slip surfacing being applied."

For information about using London’s waterways visit www.waterscape.com or call 020 7985 7200.

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For press information contact: Felicity McClintock? T 020 7985 7205 mb 07500 226 139

Photograph caption: Please contact Felicity McClintock? for photographs. Please note all photographs are to be credited to British Waterways.