Compasses Bridge restoration

Compasses Bridge, at the Alfold entrance to the Dunsfold Park aerodrome and business complex, is the key to re-opening a significant stretch of the canal's Summit Level to navigation by small boats.
The bridge is in the middle of a 1¼ mile section of waterway, between Tickner's Heath at Dunsfold and the A281 at Fast Bridge in Alfold. Much of this stretch has already been de-silted and re-profiled and around a mile is available for use by canoes, kayaks and other small boats.

This was the Trust's largest restoration scheme so far in Surrey, helping to raise the profile of WACT and its projects in the county, at the northern end of the canal. The bridge was officially opened on Sunday, October 2nd 2016, by Dame Penelope Keith, as part of celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the combined Arun Navigation and Wey & Arun Junction Canal being declared open at the Compasses site in 1816.

The Trust’s efforts were recognised with a highly commended award in the Waverley Design Awards 2019.

View looking south of the landing stage and steps. Picture taken from the towpath ramp.
Credits: Julian Morgan - 18 March 2017
The newly constructed steps adjacent to Compasses Bridge. With topsoil being spread to enable the area to be grassed.
Credits: Julian Morgan - 18 March 2017
Fill being spread to form the new towpath ramp. View looking north east from the top of the new landing stage steps.
Credits: Julian Morgan - 18 March 2017
Volunteers at the WACT Summer Work Camp building the training walls on the north east side of the bridge. Note the temporary access steps supported by the scaffolding.
Credits: Julian Morgan - 23 July 2016
The training wall on the south east side of the canal. This is being combined with a viewing platform.
Credits: Julian Morgan - 23 July 2016
The blockwork training wall being built. The inside, the right will be backfilled with concrete. Note the remains of the original bridge abutment just behind the bricklayer's right elbow.
Credits: Julian Morgan - 23 July 2016

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