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Dundas Aqueduct
Dundas Aqueduct, from south-east.jpg
Coordinates 51°21′42″N 2°18′38″W / 51.3616°N 2.3105°W / 51.3616; -2.3105
OS grid reference ST784625
Carries Kennet and Avon Canal
Crosses River Avon & Wessex Main Line
Locale Limpley Stoke
Maintained by Canal & River Trust
Heritage status Grade I
Characteristics
Pier construction Bath Stone
Total length 150 yards (137.2 m)
Longest span 65 feet (19.8 m)
History
Designer John Rennie
Construction begin 1797
Construction end 1801
Opened 1805
Rebuilt 1984
Dundas2
Dundas Aqueduct (the narrow section of canal in the picture) viewed from the west

The Dundas Aqueduct is a special bridge that carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over the River Avon. It also crosses over the Wessex Main Line railway. You can find it near Monkton Combe, Somerset, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) southeast of Bath.

This amazing structure was designed by John Rennie and John Thomas. Construction started in 1797 and finished in 1801, but it wasn't fully open until 1805. It is named after Charles Dundas, who was the first chairman of the Kennet and Avon Canal Company.

Building the Aqueduct

The Dundas Aqueduct is about 137 meters (150 yards) long. It has three arches and is built from Bath Stone. The design includes Doric pilasters, which are like decorative columns, and balustrades (fancy railings) at each end.

The middle arch is semi-circular and spans about 19.5 meters (64 feet). The two arches on the sides are oval-shaped and span about 6 meters (20 feet) each.

Why it was Built

The canal needed to cross the River Avon and the railway. This aqueduct helped the canal avoid the steep sides of the river valley near Limpley Stoke. It also meant the canal didn't have to cross other rivers like the Midford Brook and the River Frome.

The canal actually crosses the Avon and the railway again on another aqueduct called Avoncliff.

A Protected Landmark

The Dundas Aqueduct is a very important historical structure. It is a Grade I listed building, which means it's considered to be of exceptional interest. In 1951, it became the first canal structure to be named a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This protects it for future generations.

Restoration and Reopening

Over many years, the aqueduct started to leak. Because of this, it was closed in 1954. For a while in the 1960s and 1970s, the canal was dry in this area. You could even walk along the empty canal bed and through the aqueduct itself!

In 1984, the aqueduct was repaired and reopened. Workers carefully lined it with polythene and concrete. They also made sure not to disturb a group of bats that lived under the aqueduct.

Between 2002 and 2004, more restoration work was done. This included replacing some newer bricks with Bath Stone to match the original look of the aqueduct.

Canal Connections

Dundas.aqueduct.300805.arp
The Dundas Aqueduct from the eastern end. The canal boat in the picture can turn left to moorings on the only remaining section of the Somerset Coal Canal or turn right to traverse the last few miles of the canal into the city of Bath. The walls of the Aqueduct can be seen on the left and right; the river and railway are unseen far below.

The aqueduct is also where the Kennet and Avon Canal meets the Somerset Coal Canal. Most of the Somerset Coal Canal is no longer used, but a short part of it is still filled with water. This section forms Brassknocker Basin.

Brassknocker Basin is a busy spot. It's used for boat moorings, where boats can tie up, and you can even rent bikes there. There's also a cafe. Next to it is Dundas Wharf, where an old tollhouse, a warehouse, and a crane still stand.

Railway Changes

In 2015, the railway tracks below the aqueduct were lowered. This was done so that the route could be used in the future as a different path for freight trains. Network Rail even shared a video showing this work being done.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Acueducto Dundas para niños

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