Junction Canal have been connected together by canalising a stretch of the River Salwarpe through the centre of Droitwich. The course of the river has been made wider and deeper, and a weir has been constructed adjacent to the new lock 7, to maintain the water levels. In order to minimise the mixing of canal water with river water, a pipeline has been built under the towpath, running from just above lock 7 to just below the Barge Lock. The river improvements were to be partially funded by a Section 106 agreement, as part of a housing development along the river bank, but the withdrawal of the developer from the scheme resulted in delays, which put back the full opening of the canal. The Droitwich Barge Canal opened officially on 11 September 2010, and the whole canal was completed by mid-2011, with the official opening held on 1 July. Map Points of interest See also Canals of the United Kingdom History of the British canal system Bibliography References External links The Droitwich Canals Trust homepage Canals linked to the River Severn Canals in Worcestershire Transport in Worcestershire Droitwich Spa 1771 establishments in England Canals opened in 1771 Canals opened in 1854