| AdminHistory | This extension to the Dudley Canal, runs from Parkhead Junction, with the Dudley Canal Line No.1, to Coombeswood. The canal originally went on to join the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Selly Oak, Birmingham, via the 3,795 yard long Lappal Tunnel. This section of the canal is today closed, but is in line for sympathetic restoration. |
| The "Sounding Bridge" was built in 1858 and at sixty feet high, was the second highest canal bridge in the Midlands. It is for this reason that it was given its correct name of High Bridge. Sadly, because of its height above the canal, it also became the venue for several suicides - particularly during the Depression years. However, it was often nicknamed "Sounding Bridge" or "Echo Bridge" because of its good echo acoustics. The bridge came about when the Dudley No.2 canal which provided a vital transport link to the main Birmingham Canal, was shortened in 1838 to make a loop around Lodge Farm Reservoir, forming a short 75 foot (69 metres) long tunnel called Brewin's Tunnel (named after Thomas Brewin, the Supertindent of the canal at the time). It was the last major canal tunnel to act as a bypass for the narrow Dudley Tunnel nearby. When opened, it had twin towpaths similar to Coseley Tunnel, and was lit with gas. The tunnel was eventually opened out and the bridge was built over the cutting. Close to the bridge ran a canal arm (now filled in) that entered a basin belonging to a local clay pit. The reservoir is still there, and nearby is now the Lodge Farm housing estate. |