Stewart Aqueduct Explained

Stewart Aqueduct
Carries:BCN Old Main Line
Crosses:BCN New Main Line
Location:Smethwick
Os Grid Reference:SP001898
Maintained:Canal & River Trust
Designer:Thomas Telford
Material1:Brick
Material2:Brick
Number Spans:Two
Piers In Water:One
Passable:Yes
Towpath:Both
Complete:1828
Heritage:Grade II listed
Coordinates:52.5059°N -1.9974°W

The Stewart Aqueduct (or Steward Aqueduct) in Smethwick, West Midlands (but formerly in Staffordshire), England carries the BCN Old Main Line Canal (1770) over the BCN New Main Line Canal (1828).[1] Alongside and above the New Main Line Canal is the Stour Valley section of the West Coast Main Line (1852), all three being bridged by the M5 motorway (c. 1970).[1]

The Grade II listed aqueduct was built by Thomas Telford in 1829 when he bypassed James Brindley's earlier Birmingham Canal (at the Wolverhampton Level) with his New Main Line (at the Birmingham Level). Both canals contributed to the Industrial Revolution in the Midlands by conveying coal and raw materials to Birmingham, and finished products to the country and ports.

It is located at the edge of the former Chance's Glass Works (1824) and is close to Spon Lane Canal Junction, the point where the Wednesbury and Wolverhampton routes of the BCN Old Main Line (former Birmingham Canal) meet.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Pearson, Michael. Canal Companion - Birmingham Canal Navigations. 1989. J. M. Pearson & Associates. 0-907864-49-X.