THERE ARE PLANS for a feasibility study of the completion of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway.
This waterway, linking the Grand Union at Milton Keynes with the Ouse at Bedford, was halted in the early days of the Canal & River Trust, so never constructed.
Benefit
It is told that the completion of the 26km waterway would benefit both new and existing communities along the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, enhancing surface water management, improve flood resilience, and provide much-needed water transfer opportunities.
And of course provide a connection for boaters between the the two waterways.
With support from a consortium of agencies and local authorities, the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust has advocated for the development of the new waterway park for the past 30 years and to construct sections of the canal as funding opportunities become available. In a major step forward, it has appointed AECOM to work on the first 2km section in the eastern part of the route near Bedford.
Initially, AECOM will investigate existing information to gain a deeper understanding of potential constraints and challenges to construction. This work will include detailed analysis of survey information, geology maps, existing utility information, land ownership boundaries and plans for future infrastructure and housing along the route.
Underpass already constructed
The next phase will be to develop concept designs for the first 2km section, which crosses the A421 via an underpass that was built in readiness for the canal and will include a number of locks. (pictured)
Simon Clewlow, Chair of the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust, explains:
“Following the announcement last July of support for delivery of the waterway by the elected Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton, this appointment is the important next step to enabling that delivery to become a reality. I’m very excited that the time is coming shortly when the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Park will be able to show that it can be a key element of managing water purposefully in the 21st century, so putting ‘Water Where It’s Wanted.’
“The trust will continue to focus on the overall vision for the waterway by collaborating with all its partners and build on the work from this appointment, which it should be remembered has only been possible through the hard work of the trust’s volunteers and support from the public who cruise on our community boats on the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes and the River Great Ouse in Bedford.”
First ever smart canal
AECOM’s appointment follows its role to design and develop Europe’s first ever smart canal to mitigate flood risk in Glasgow, which was delivered in conjunction with Scottish Canals, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Water. Introducing weather technology to the 250 years old Forth & Clyde Canal provides advanced warning of heavy rainfall, which automatically triggers a lowering of the canal’s water level to create capacity for surface water runoff. AECOM will look for opportunities to apply similar approaches to the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Park.