Swing bridges keep failing on the Leeds & Liverpool

Published: Friday, 11 October 2024

THE failure of Holmes Swing Bridge 10 on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal yesterday makes it six such failures so far this 'season'.

Holmes Swing bridgeEarlier this year the Leeds & Liverpool Bar Lane Swing Bridge failure had two closures. Hancocks, Brewery and Holmes swing bridges also closed for one reason or another. (Holmes Swing Bridge pictured.}

Not forgetting the infamous Coxhead Swing Bridge also closed.

Take some beating

But September 2023 will take some beating as the Leeds & Liverpool saw three failures in one week—Booth's, Millman and Crabtree.

Just what is it with swing bridges on this navigation? Perhaps a little prior maintenance would solve the problems. Holmes Swing Bridge  is at present closed due to a mechanical fault, with contractors awaited.