Upper Forge Sluices

Engineering work has finally commenced on the final phase of the Coalbrookdale Watercourses Project. Previous work on the New Pool and Upper Furnace Pool will be followed this summer by the restoration of the Upper Forge Sluices and the final renovation of the Upper Forge Picnic Site (Boring Mill), also the scene of the excavations last summer.

View from the road. The large tube is for temporary diversion of the flow during the work.




At the moment the main task is simply getting into the sluices site. Although all the trees were cut down last year (and you can now see the railway retaining wall very clearly [above]), there is a lot of earth and other material to move out of the way before consolidation work can start.

This photo was taken last year and shows the present condition of the sluices.






In summer 2005 we undertook an evaluation on behalf of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin to find out what remained of the original overflow structure at the sluices. We discovered a long-forgotten stretch of specially-designed overflow weir, with an arched spillway leading into a former culvert. The results of our archaeological work have been used to help design the final engineering solution.

Artists impression of the final result - reconstruction of the overflow weir and reinstatement of the culvert. Lots of work to do before we get to this stage!











We will be closely monitoring this project over the next couple of months, as it will provide us with an important understanding of the development and phasing of the Upper Forge Pool and associated sluices. More information will be uploaded here shortly.