Macclesfield canal br 47

[Top cat]

Just to let people know that may be passing that way the swing bridge 47 is a complete b*****rd to operate. It needs 3 adults to do it. One to stand on the end of the deck to get it to balance and un jam. The other two to swing the thing.

Considering its a bridge from nowhere to nowhere else and there is no vehicular access why is it even there. CaRT could save the money they are not spending on maintenance by taking it out and replacing it with a conventional foot bridge.

 

Top Cat

[JohnEW2912]

We came through bridge 47 about 10 days ago. I operated it and don't recall any problems at all?

[Jamm]

It's part of a public footpath. Granted it only leads to the next bridge but there is property on that side. I doubt Crt have any right to remove it as rights of way have to be maintained. It's also a historic site of an old tramway. I've never experienced difficulties with it myself.

Edited August 27, 2016 by Jamm

[NilesMI]

I came through there last week and had no problem operating the bridge single handed (apart from the usual inconvenience of having to get off and on the boat on the offside)

[BruceinSanity]

It seems to be hugely variable. It was a bit heavy when we went through the other day, but by no means impossible. I have found it as tough as the OP on occasion and no trouble at all on others.

[Mike Todd]

Was quite easy when we went both ways back in the Spring. But a lot of bridges like this one depend on balance for the ease of operation. Anything which upsets that can quickly change the experience. When balanced it is a matter of getting up the momentum and keeping it going.

Edited August 28, 2016 by Mike Todd

[Tony Brooks]

I have had problems with swing bridges when stones, soil, or wood get on the track and jamb the rollers. I remain to be convinced that this is not the result of low grade vandalism.

[Peter-Bullfinch]

We came through that bridge and the two of us had incredible difficulties in both opening and closing it. This was last Friday the 26th. I agree that it could be left open with a sunken chain attached just in case it might have a right of way attached.

[Cloudinspector]

We passed through there a couple of weeks ago and my wife operated the bridge without any difficulties.

[Cloudinspector]

We passed through there a couple of weeks ago and my wife operated the bridge without any difficulties.

[Arthur Marshall]

When I first came onto the Macc this bridge was permanently open and basically unmoveable. The Macc Canal Society apparently insisted it was repaired and left in a closed position (not sure whose side they were on) and it almost immediately got to a stage where it took several people to move it.Then BW stuck a lock on it, which made it even worse as you couldn't get your key out till it was fully shut, which you couldn't do by yourself, which meant you had to wait till another boat came along, shut the lock in their face while asking them to help, get your key out and leave them to struggle with it (I speak as a singlehander). Then CRT fixed it so it was usable but it does seem to be hugely variable.

It doesn't go anywhere useful, and I've never seen anyone use it to cross the canal.

[Bugsworth Tippler]

When I first came onto the Macc this bridge was permanently open and basically unmoveable. The Macc Canal Society apparently insisted it was repaired and left in a closed position (not sure whose side they were on) and it almost immediately got to a stage where it took several people to move it.Then BW stuck a lock on it, which made it even worse as you couldn't get your key out till it was fully shut, which you couldn't do by yourself, which meant you had to wait till another boat came along, shut the lock in their face while asking them to help, get your key out and leave them to struggle with it (I speak as a singlehander). Then CRT fixed it so it was usable but it does seem to be hugely variable.

It doesn't go anywhere useful, and I've never seen anyone use it to cross the canal.

Exactly! If it was permanently open for so many years why does it have to be kept closed now? I've never seen anyone going over it either!

And I nearly suffered permanent health damage trying to operate it a couple of weeks ago.

Leave it open and put a chain on it for walkers - let them have a go at operating it.

[Peter-Bullfinch]

I also slipped and bruised my leg pushing so hard on those slimy slabs under the wet trees.

[Iain_S]

(snip) ... as you couldn't get your key out till it was fully shut, which you couldn't do by yourself, which meant you had to wait till another boat came along, shut the lock in their face while asking them to help, get your key out and leave them to struggle with it (I speak as a singlehander). (snip)

 

Or swap keys?