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Waterways > Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal
Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal
Conceived to link Manchester with Bolton and Bury the canal was opened in 1797 and in 1808 a stretch which further extended the waterway down five locks to the River Irwell was opened. Built to carry coal he canal was originally built with narrow locks but whilst being built the locks were altered to become broad locks
Things to do nearby
Facts & Stats
15 miles
(24.14km)
The length of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal restoration.
0 locks
Connecting to the River Irwell
The first 500-metre section of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal at Middlewood was re-opened to navigation in 2008. It connects with the river Irwell through the £600 million Middlewood Locks commercial development site.
Funding for the £4.2 million restoration of the first phase was supported by European Objective Two Funding, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and Salford City Council.
Waterway notes
Waterways affected by the HS2 plans
The latest HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg Design Refinement proposals affect the Ashton Canal and Rochdale Canal in Manchester.
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