St Helens (3) - Virtual Journey along the Sankey Canal

Church Street, St Helens
Looking back to the railway crossing from Church Street.
Church Street, St Helens
The structure on which the widened Church Street now crosses the canal. Originally the road crossed on a swing bridge, with a separate lift bridge alongside to carry trams.
line of Sankey Canal in St Helens
North of Church Street, the line of the canal is infilled as far as the railway arch in the distance. The walker must take a slight detour along a footpath beside the car park to the right of the fence.
line of Sankey Canal in St Helens
Beyond the car park, the footpath runs between fences, crossing the line of the canal, which heads for the right-hand bridge. The arches were built comparatively recently to strengthen the girder spans above.
Corporation Street Bridge, St Helens
Corporation Street Bridge. The in-filled section of canal can be seen beyond. The towpath went through a separate arch. These were originally flat beam bridge spans, made into arches during work to re-open stretches of the canal.
Corporation Street Bridge, St Helens
The towpath bridge below Corporation Street has been re-furbished and a wooden roller (that protected the brickwork from the rubbing of tow-ropes) has been attached. This is a replica of the original, which was removed for conservation, but is not in the original location.
north of Corporation Street, St Helens
The section of canal to the north of Corporation Street has been restored.
former railway swing bridge, St Helens
Railings cast for Standish Street railway bridge, which stood nearby, have been preserved and made into a canal-side feature.
former railway swing bridge, St Helens
The base of a former railway swing bridge, just before Standish Street / Pocket Nook.
Standish Street Bridge, St Helens
Looking back from Standish Street towards Corporation Street, St Helens. Originally a swing bridge stood here, but this was re-built several times. Standish Street now crosses the canal on an embankment.