Cotswold Canals in Pictures

Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse

This is eastern extent of the 'Cotswold Canal Connected' or Phase 1b restoration section.

The original railway bridge was first in use when the broad-gauge railway between Bristol Temple Meads and Gloucester opened in 1844. The bridge was a steel 'plate-girder' construction with a span of about 9.1m (30ft) and was supported on brick abutments.

In 1968 the bridge was removed and replaced with a section of embankment.  This encompassed a small culvert for canal water and a pedestrian foot tunnel.

The bridge was removed because British Rail (forerunner to Network Rail) decided it would be expensive to repair, and that its removal provided a better value option.

New Bridge

A new bridge was constructed over a seven-day period between Christmas and New Year in 2021-22.

Re-instatement of the canal channel and towpath was completed in May 2022 and the bridge was officially opened on May 23.

(Tap / click images to enlarge)

 

Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse - construction completed in 2022
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse

Bridge Re-build

Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Bridge work compound where concrete bridge components were cast.
[Ken Bailey]
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Bridge work compound and bridge site.
[Ken Bailey]
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
New Ocean Bridge concrete components awaiting assembly.
[Ken Bailey]

Before Restoration

Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean bridge site before new bridge constructed
Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean bridge site before new bridge constructed

Before Original Bridge Removal

Ocean Jubilee Bridge, Stonehouse
Ocean Railway Bridge before removal in 1968.
[Courtesy: https://museuminthepark.org.uk/]