Aqueduct opens for canal traffic

The aqueduct carries more than 600 tonnes of water

The first navigable aqueduct to be built in the South West for almost 200 years has opened.

The aqueduct carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over Semington, and is part of the village's £12m bypass scheme.

It was formally opened to canal traffic by Councillor Fleur de Rhe Philipe, who said: "It really is an incredible feat of engineering."

The aqueduct is built from concrete, contains 529 tonnes of steel and carries 617 tonnes of water.

Ms de Rhe Philipe said: "We have used the very latest technology and the most up-to-date construction methods to build a structure for an historic method of transport."

The village bypass is expected to open at the end of the month.