Junction Bridge At Top Locks (That Part In Lathom) Leeds And Liverpool Canal Junction Bridge At Top Locks (That Part In Burscough)

The Junction Bridge at Top Locks, located on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, was built in 1816 and carries the towpath over the junction with the Rufford Branch Canal, also known as the "New Cut". This bridge, likely replacing an earlier swing bridge, was constructed for the Leeds-Liverpool Canal Company under the supervision of resident engineer Richard Owen. It is made of sandstone ashlar and features a high semi-elliptical arch with rusticated voussoirs and a carved keystone. The keystone is flanked by sunk panels displaying the raised digits "18" and "16". The bridge has a broad band and a parapet made of massive dressed blocks with rounded coping, along with rusticated pilasters and oval number plates marked "1" on both sides. This bridge is a prominent visual feature among the canal structures at Top Locks and is situated on the boundary between Burscough and Lathom.