The Aire and
Calder Navigation Company are making rapid progress towards completing the
scheme for vessels of large dimensions to proceed up the canal.
The Skew
Bridge at Knottingley, which was the first of it's kind to be erected in
Yorkshire, has been taken down and the span widened to an extent of 40ft
on the water. Across this is being thrown immense wrought iron girders
weighing 17 tons each. The second of these has been placed in position and
the bridge, which will contain 100 tons of iron, will form an imposing
object on the canal.
It is the third bridge being erected and is an
evidence of the enterprising spirit of the company. Vessels of 180 feet in
length can now pass up the canal but when the bridge and locks are
widened, ships of very large size will be able to pass the bridges, two at
one time, and much easier than before. Vessels from London and the
continent will be able to proceed to Leeds and Wakefield direct without
having to tranship the cargo either at Hull or Goole, which will expedite
delivery and be of great advantage to the mercantile community.
