A public open day is being held in Nantwich to unveil the planned £200,000 restoration of Nantwich Aqueduct, on the Shropshire Union Canal.
The 10-week project is due to start at the end of March and will involve the temporary closure of the A534 Chester Road which runs underneath the aqueduct.
The Canal & River Trust, which is carrying out the essential repairs, wants to share its plans with local residents.
It is taking over a market stall in Nantwich Square on Thursday February 19 to explain the works.
Sarah Lalieu, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Nantwich Aqueduct is a Grade II* listed building, built by Thomas Telford in 1826, and forms an important gateway to Nantwich.
“For almost two centuries it has carried boats and water over the Chester Road but, like any historic building, it requires careful and specialist repairs from time to time.
“To do this we inevitably have to close the road for a short period.
“We’re mindful that this will cause some disruption for local people and we want to keep this to the absolute minimum – for example by scheduling works to avoid the Nantwich Jazz Festival over the Easter weekend.”
Work will include removing layers of old paint from the aqueduct’s cast iron trough, replacing a missing cast iron panel, repairing the stone and brickwork and applying four coats of new paint.
The aqueduct will be enclosed in protective sheeting and scaffolding during the work.
The Shropshire Union Canal will remain open to navigation throughout the project.
But the towpath, which runs alongside the canal, will be closed to walkers and cyclists.
The project is being paid for by £135,000 of public donations to the Canal & River Trust together with funding from Cheshire East Council (£40,000), Nantwich Town Council (£20,000), Acton, Edleston & Henhull Parish Council (£3,000) and the Nantwich Partnership (£2,000).
Sarah added: “The work to the aqueduct combines 21st century knowledge with heritage skills that have changed little in 200 centuries.
“The project will keep Nantwich Aqueduct in first class working order and ensure it can be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.”
Anyone who would like to support the restoration of the canals and the conservation of this Grade II* listed aqueduct can become a Friend of the Canal & River Trust online at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk or by phoning 0303 040 4040.
with an interest in a local business it would be helpful to know when the road is proposed to be closed.