The longest single span aqueduct in Europe has received a commendation in the prestigious ‘Waterways Renaissance Awards for its design and construction.
The £1.6m scheme to repair and restore the 32 metres Ynysbwllog Aqueduct at Resolven in the Neath Valley was among a strong field in the 2010 awards ceremony sponsored by the Wareways Trust and British Urban Regeneration Association.
Neath Port Talbot Council and Neath Canal Navigation teamed up to restore the Ynysbwllog Aqueduct and Three Locks as part of a long term strategy to link up the Neath Canal to the wider historical network of the Tennant Canal, the River Tawe in Swansea and the Swansea Canal.
The design consultants for the project were Atkins and the scheme was completed in March 2008. The 9km navigational link between Neath town centre and Ynysarwed is now open for the first time in 50 years.
Almost 30-years-ago, the force of the water in the flooded River Neath washed away two stone arches, which were supporting the aqueduct. The arches were replaced by pipes which took the water from the canal down to Briton Ferry and the BP works, but the plans to restore were put on the back burner due to a lack of funds.
But, in 2005 the aqueduct operators, Neath Canal Navigation, were awarded £1.6m from Welsh European Funding and Neath Port Talbot Council Local Regeneration Fund to give the aqueduct a new lease of life.
Three new locks were completed in June 2006 before work started to restore the aqueduct.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, “The canal system in Neath Port Talbot is a unique piece of our industrial heritage and I am delighted to see the project finished and the work recognised nationally.
“We are already seeing the benefits this project has brought. Figures show that more visitors are coming to the area and enjoying activities like boating, canoeing and fishing as well as cycling and walking.
“It has also given us the opportunity to host the Inland Waterways Association’s prestigious Welsh Waterways Festival, which is to be held along the canal upstream of the Aqueduct over the May Bank holiday in 2011. This National event will give a tremendous boost to tourism through the Neath Valley and the locality.”
Bob Minty, manager of Neath Canal Navigation, said: “This is a very special project for us. I must pay tribute to the support we have received from Neath Port Talbot Council.
“It is a proud day for Neath Port Talbot to see the navigational link back in operation for the first time in 50 years.”
