How the Great Ouse was crossed before Wolverton Aqueduct was built

When the Grand Junction Canal was built the river Great Ouse was crossed on the level. This entailed boats locking down to the river and up again the other side. Having walked through the foot tunnel under the aqueduct I found part of the original canal still in water.

The fact that it was in water might have had something to do with the high level of the river - there was a lot of the wet stuff around!

An old lock gate appeared to be floating in a lake.

Just to the south of this point I could see an actual lock, but my access was barred by all the water. I didn't fancy getting wet feet, so I left further exploration for another time.

This area has had a fair amount of money thrown at it recently. The iron trunk aqueduct itself was repainted in 2012; and a cast metal interpretation sign gives lots of useful detail. (Click on photos to enlarge).

I can't help thinking CRT's plan for a "viewing platform" is rather over the top (so to speak).

If you want to look at the aqueduct it is easily viewed, both from the towpath and from below (see yesterday's post for piccies). Why is a platform needed? Disabled access, I suppose. Is this the reason?