Grand Junction Aqueduct - A Sandwell & West Midlands Gem!

The Grand Junction Aqueduct was built over the Grand Junction Railway in 1844. It carries the Tame Valley Canal. The railway below is now the Birmingham to Walsall railway line. 


Where is the Grand Junction Aqueduct?

The Grand Junction Aqueduct is on the Tame Valley Canal, near Tame Bridge Parkway Station at West Bromwich, B71 3NP. Towpath access from Navigation Lane.

 

In brief

The Grand Junction Railway below opened in 1837 between Birmingham and Warrington. The Tame Valley Canal is unique in a canal being built after the railway. In this case, the Grand Junction Aqueduct was built in 1844. With Tame Bridge Parkway Station opening on the Birmingham New Street to Walsall line in 1990, it means you can get on and off the train near the aqueduct.

Tame Valley CanalGrand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

 

Grand Junction Aqueduct from Tame Bridge Parkway Station

After a 20 minute train ride from Birmingham New Street via Witton and Perry Barr, you are at Tame Bridge Parkway Station, with the Grand Junction Aqueduct to the southern end of the station.

Tame Bridge ParkwayGrand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

When you leave the station, it doesn't take long to get up to the Grand Junction Aqueduct, via Walsall Road and Navigation Lane. The aqueduct was built of brick with stone dressings.

Tame Bridge ParkwayGrand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Grand Junction Aqueduct from the Tame Valley Canal

There is about four aqueducts in a short stretch on the Tame Valley Canal, not far from the M5 and M6 motorways. Both the Grand Junction Aqueduct, and the preceeding Walsall Road Aqueduct (on Navigation Lane) both were opened in 1844.

Tame Valley CanalGrand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Views from the Grand Junction Aqueduct

Immediately below the Grand Junction Aqueduct is Tame Bridge Parkway Station on the Birmingham New Street to Walsall Line.

Tame Valley CanalTame Bridge Parkway Station from Grand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Trains go between Birmingham New Street and Walsall, some go up to Rugeley Trent Valley.

Tame Valley CanalTame Bridge Parkway Station from Grand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Some trains go via Perry Barr, Witton and Aston, others leave at Perry Barr North Junction on the Soho loop line, for an alternate route into Birmingham New Street.

Tame Valley CanalTame Bridge Parkway Station from Grand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Beyond Tame Bridge Parkway Station is the Bescot Yard.

Tame Valley CanalBescot Yard from Grand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The RAC building is on the right, near the M6 motorway.

Tame Valley CanalBescot Yard from Grand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

While the Poundland Bescot Stadium is on the left (home ground of Walsall Football Club).

Tame Valley CanalBescot Yard from Grand Junction Aqueduct on the Tame Valley Canal (June 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

27 Jun 2023 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Transport, Travel & tourism
Rivers, lakes & canals, Classic Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com