In the late 1960s, the Union Canal bridge at Greendykes Road in Broxburn was demolished and replaced by a drowned culvert which blocked the canal completely, preventing boats from sailing out of Broxburn towards Winchburgh. From April 1999 to April 2000, the culvert was rebuilt as a bridge. The photographs below, in chronological order, show the work being done:

The culvert in 1994, before restoration began. Not the prettiest of canal bridges in anyone's book!

This picture shows the construction site from the west side, on 25/6/99. The west side of the road embankment has been excavated. The yellow box in the centre of the picture is the pump which is keeping the canal water flowing past the site.

Looking down into the excavations from the towpath on the south side, 25/6/99. Shutters have been erected, and concrete has been poured into them. It will form part of the abutments of the new bridge. On the lower right of this picture, the concrete culvert pipes which previously carried the canal water under the road are just visible.

The construction site from the west, at a slightly later stage. Thanks to Dr Carl Moores for sending me this picture. It shows the first section of new bridge nearly complete, with the 'arch and keystone' effect being cast into the concrete of the deck.

The construction site on 16/9/99. The first section of the new bridge is now complete, including retaining walls for the canal. But beyond, most of the old embankment and culvert is still there.

The bridge structure looks nearly complete in this photo taken from the east side on 29/1/2000. So far, one lane of the road is open to traffic and a lot of work still has to be done on the canal itself, but you can see right through to the other side, which is an improvement!

Looking even better in this view of the bridge on 11/3/2000. More work has been done on the canal, and on the parapet. On top of the bridge, the roadway looks to be almost complete although still only one lane is open.

The bridge was completed in April 2000 and reopened to waterborne traffic early in May. This picture of it was taken on 22/5/2000.

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