Where is the Engine Arm Aqueduct?

The Engine Arm Aqueduct is close to Rolfe Street, Smethwick, B66 2AR. It starts at a junction with the Old Main Line, then crosses over the New Main Line to the Engine Arm of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

 

In brief

The aqueduct was built by Thomas Telforld in 1825 to carry a water feeder, the Engine Arm, from Edgbaston Reservoir, over the New Main Line from the Old Main Line of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. It's a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is Grade II* listed.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Engine Arm Aqueduct - history

The aqueduct is a 52 foot (16 m) span structure which contains a cast iron trough supported by a single arch with five ribs, with four sections with bolted joints.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It has cast iron arcades of Gothic styled arches and columns.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

All cast iron features were made at the Horseley Ironworks in nearby Tipton.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The aqueduct was designed by Thomas Telford and built in 1825 (the listing text suggest circa 1828).

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It has been Grade II* listed since 2007 and it's also a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Engine Arm Bridge

The Roving Bridge at the junction of the Engine Arm with the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Main Line (Wolverhampton) is called the Engine Arm Bridge.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

BCN Old Main Line (Wolverhampton Level)

View from the Engine Arm Bridge of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Main Line (Wolverhampton Level). The direction towards Tipton and Wolverhampton.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

BCN New Main Line (Birmingham Level)

View from the Engine Arm Aqueduct of the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Main Line (Birmingham Level). In the direction of Birmingham.

Engine Arm Aqueduct (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown