The canal as a navigable route through Clydebank was virtually destroyed in the 1960s and 70s - the water shallowed to less than half its proper depth, the bascule bridges fixed shut or replaced by fixed bridges, and, worst of all, the road bridges replaced by submerged culverts, leaving this stretch of canal as no more than a decorative feature. So many obstacles to restoration were created that it was even suggested that this bit of canal should be bypassed, a more direct route to the Clyde being created instead. It was only in the last few months leading up to the canal's reopening that this, arguably the hardest section of canal on the whole Millennium Link route to restore, began to show signs of life again.

Here at Dalmuir, the bridge carrying the main Glasgow to Dumbarton road (A814) was replaced by a culvert after the canal closed, with the road surface only feet above the water level. As we'll see, this major blockage demanded a drastic and unique solution.

A similar culvert was installed at Kilbowie Road just next to the Clyde shopping centre. By the time this picture was taken in Spring 2000, the water level had already been lowered and the culvert fenced off in preparation for its reconstruction as a bridge.

The canal flows right through the shopping centre. Although the low footbridge for the pedestrian precinct causes an obstruction, it's very lucky that the canal wasn't obliterated altogether and piped under the shops.

As the canal leaves the centre at the other side, the huge boat on the offside is a floating fish and chip shop, and the low bridge carries Argyll Road.

The same view on 22/10/2000. The canal is completely dewatered through the centre. Argyll Road is being diverted across a temporary embankment on the far side while the low bridge is rebuilt to navigable dimensions.

Kilbowie Road Bridge under construction, 22/10/2000. The road is being raised quite considerably to take it over the canal with enough headroom.

New bridge at Dalmuir, 22/10/2000. It was decided that it would be impractical to raise the road here, and diverting the canal would not help, so instead a new bridge has been built at the road's original level, and a drop lock is under construction which will lower the canal level when a boat needs to pass under the road.

The work in Clydebank was completed in spring 2001 shortly before the reopening ceremony. Photos of the finished canal will be posted here in due course.

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