It is expected that the viaduct crossing will maintain the headroom and width required by the maximum size of ships that can use the canal. As a very high and prominent structure the design should aim to be iconic in nature and of inspiring appearance rather than just utilitarian.
The Manchester Ship Canal is a commercial navigation with only limited recreational use.
HS2 Phase 2B affects 16 inland waterways, both canals and river navigations, in at least 22 locations, including three canal restoration schemes.