Mitigation of leakage on the Kelvin Aqueduct, Maryhill
In late October, our engineering team began monitoring leakage from the aqueduct affecting the footpath under one of the arches. In early February, our contractor Mackenzie Construction Ltd will dewater the canal from the aqueduct to Lock 24.
This will help us to mitigate the leak in the short term (by laying down additional clay on the canal bed) and investigate its source so that we can understand the best approach to fixing it permanently. We will also take the opportunity to clear self-seeded saplings and vegetation from the structure.
The Kelvin Aqueduct is an outstanding piece of canal engineering. At the time of its construction, more than 230 years ago, it was Britain’s largest aqueduct and a prototype for many later structures built on Scotland’s canal network.
To this day, it continues to carry the Forth & Clyde Canal across the deep valley of the River Kelvin, allowing boats to pass over the river on their way between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde.
Like all historic infrastructure, the aqueduct requires ongoing maintenance to manage the effects of natural weathering, water leakage, and the self-seeding of vegetation within its masonry.
Current inspections and works
In late October, our engineering team began monitoring leakage from the aqueduct affecting the footpath under one of the arches.
From Monday 9th February, our contractor Mackenzie Construction Ltd will begin to dewater the canal between Lock 24 to and a temporary dam downstream of the aqueduct. Navigation will be suspended from Bowling Harbour to Lock 21 from this date until our investigation of the leakage is complete. We plan to reopen the canal to navigation on Wednesday 13th May. We will provide an update on next steps at that time.
This will help us to mitigate the leak in the short term (by laying down additional clay on the canal bed) and investigate its source so that we can understand the best approach to fixing it permanently. We will also take the opportunity to clear self-seeded saplings and vegetation from the structure.
The current towpath diversion will remain in place while the canal is dewatered and the work is completed. An alternative route is shown below and signposted along the canal.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at enquiries@scottishcanals.co.uk or on 0141 332 6936 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm).
Photo credits: © Copyright Richard Sutcliffe