locks
The Crumlin to Abercarn section opened in March 1974 and two years later the branch was open except for Fourteen Locks. It was not until April 1799 that the proprietors (shareholders) declared that the canal was finally complete.
The branch was 11 miles long rising 358 feet (109 metres) through 32 locks.
These were originally numbered (as were bridges) by the usual system of top down. Therefore, Cwmcarn lock was number 12. The GWR renumbered the locks (and bridges) from Newport to Crumlin and then up the Main Line to Brecon. Thus, Cwmcarn Lock became Lock 22. Lock 22 was under the grass area just beyond the end of the canal. Going down was a lock free pound to the top of the Fourteen Locks and going up was another pound to Abercarn bottom lock below the old Prince of Wales Colliery.
Boats were approximately 64ft 9inches (19 metres) long by 9ft 2inches (2.8 metres) wide.
bridges
There are 11 bridges on the Crumlin Arm. All of which are listed structures Each of these has a variety of numbers, depending on who owned them at the time and a local name given by members of the community. If you have any information or pictures about any of these bridges, please let us know via the email addresses on our Home Page. We would be delighted to hear from you.
Below Lock 22 (Cwmcarn) the first bridge has been demolished – a plate girder railway bridge taking the line up to the colliery from Pont-y-waun junction.
Bridge 18 by GWR, or Bridge 7 by MCC, or Bridge 155 by MRCC follows. This is Pont-y-waun Bridge rebuilt around 1910.
The old railway line runs parallel to the canal to Bridge 17 by GWR, or Bridge 8 by MCC or Bridge 154 by MRCC. This is Green Meadow Bridge.
Then Bridge 16 by GWR, or Bridge 8 by MCC or Bridge 153 by MRCC. This is the Darren Bridge. Below this is the old Risca Brickworks
Bridge 15 by GWR, or Bridge 10 by MCC or Bridge 152 by MRCC. This is Navigation or Temperance Hill Bridge.
