The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has started the third and final phase of the ambitious project to restore the canal crossing under the main road through Loxwood.

In the first phase, in 2005, Trust volunteers built a new lock next to the road. In 2006, the section of canal next to the Onslow Arms pub was lowered to provide enough headroom for the new bridge, without altering the level of the road. The latest work finishes the jigsaw by connecting the new lock to the lowered section of canal. This will restore a link that was broken over 100 years ago and open the way to restoring the canal route to the Surrey border and beyond.

On 8th January 2008, civil engineering contractor CJ Thorne of Uckfield, East Sussex, began placing 142 piles, each up to 12 m long, to form the sides of the new bridge. The contractors will close one side of the road, allowing them to build the roof of the bridge. They will then reinstate the road and build the bridge roof on the other side. Finally, they will tunnel under the bridge, to make space for the new canal route and a pedestrian walkway. When the walls between the new lock and the new bridge are complete, boats will be able to pass under the bridge and into the lock.

Chris Thorne, Managing Director of CJ Thorne, said "Having won two Sussex Heritage Awards in 2005 and 2006 for restoration projects for The National Trust and Brighton & Hove City Council, we are delighted to be involved in restoring another important part of Sussex's heritage."

The complete project will cost about £1.5 million, all raised by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust through its own efforts. The Trust's Chairman, Peter Foulger, commented "this is one of the most exciting days in the history of the Trust. Our showpiece Loxwood section is already a tremendous asset for the village and the whole surrounding area of Surrey and Sussex. It has always been our dream to remove the road blockage. After many years of planning, fundraising and sheer hard work, it is wonderful to see the new bridge begin to take shape."

For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403.