Monday 28 November 2016

Walking the waterways (2) : Gower Branch Canal

The Gower Branch Canal in Tividale is a short canal that links the old and new Birmingham Main Lines. The half mile long canal branches off the Birmingham New Main Line at Albion Junction.
Albion Junction
The other end of the canal connects to the Birmingham Old Main Line at Brades Hall Junction via a triple "staircase" lock or 3 locks close together anyway.

The canal was authorised by the 1768 Birmingham Canal Act but not built until 1836. It was built to enable boats coming (or going to) the Netherton Canal to get to the old main line without a long detour via Tipton and Smethwick.
Staircase Lock
Brades Hall Junction