Pike Lock July to October 2022
Pike Lock July to October 2022
by: Andy P.
Steve has drilled well over 300 holes and then fitted long wall ties to help fix the front wall to the stone behind. A mammoth job.
Duncan has spent many days digging out the very well compacted stones from under Pike bridge left over from the 2005 repairs. The other construction team toiled away moving some 30 tonnes of this stone. There is still a lot to get out before the lock can be reopened fully.
The next job was to cut out and install the stop plank channels at the western end of the lock. Matthew spent many happy hours with the disc cutter.
Lots of damming went on.
It was a constant battle to keep the water out of the work area as it was entering from both ends of the lock.
The last job was to form the stop plank beam in the curved base of the lock. It was a considerable challenge to cut out the bricks then dig out to the correct depth. This took several weeks. A big joint team effort to mix and pour the concrete into the formers made by the chippies. Fortunately the concrete set in time before the waters engulfed the concrete beam.     Â
Pike lock is now completed and the scaffolding will be moved to Newtown Lock. However despite well over 12 months passing by, we are still not allowed to start. Paperwork and approvals are stifling progress.
