At the southern end of the canal between Lordings Lock and aqueduct and Lee Farm Lock (the last but one lock on the canal) there is a section of canal that is partially “in water” and ready for full restoration. There is no through navigation because of a causeway on the site of an old bridge that crosses the canal at the location known as Harsfold near Wisborough Green. This causeway also carries a bridleway.
With the support of the neighbouring landowners, which the Trust acknowledges with thanks, the Canal Trust designed and gained planning permission for a bridge crossing which complies with West Sussex County Council highways standard. This will accommodate the need for one of the landowners to cross the canal with heavy (40 tonne) agricultural vehicles, allow horse and pedestrian access along the bridleway and be high enough to allow narrowboats to pass under it, following full restoration of the canal either side.
Construction of the bridge, which consists of mass concrete foundations/abutments and structural steel members crossing the span, commenced in October 2019 and volunteers completed the work in July 2020, battling flooding and working under strict Covid safety regulations. The teams worked against the clock but ensured the bridge was completed in time for harvest when it was needed by the landowner.