2-854-169 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

A sheet pile cofferdam being constructed across a canal on the route of the Barlaston pipeline, as a narrow boat passes by. The contract for the Barlaston gas pipeline was awarded to Laing Pipelines in January 1970. The pipeline ran for approximately 29 miles from Uffington, near Shrewsbury, to Barlaston in North Staffordshire. Along the route there were 61 crossings, including under the M6, the main electric railway from Euston to Crewe, two canals and six rivers, and a steep climb alongside the A34 dual carriageway near Barlaston. This photograph was taken beside either the Trent & Mersey Canal near Barlaston, or the Shropshire Union Canal near Market Drayton.