Pelsall Junction - Location

Location

The Wyrley and Essington Canal runs east to west at the junction, with the towpath on the southern bank. To the east, the canal is level for 5 miles (8.0 km) to Anglesey Basin, on the edge of the Chasewater Reservoir. At Catshill Junction, the Daw End Branch of the Wyrley and Essington turns off, and if level for 5.3 miles (8.5 km) to Longwood Junction, which is 7.9 miles (12.7 km) from Pelsall Junction, and where the Rushall Canal starts. To the west, the canal is level to Horseley Fields Junction, 12.7 miles (20.4 km) away, and the BCN Main Line which it joins continues on the same level in both directions. The water level is 473 feet (144 m) above sea level, and this level is known as the Wolverhampton Level, to distinguish it from other parts of the Birmingham Canal Navigations which are at the Birmingham Level of 453 feet (138 m).

The Cannock extension canal has a towpath on the eastern bank, and is level for just 1.5 miles (2.4 km), beyond which it is filled in. A cast iron bridge spans the eastern arm of the junction to connect the towpaths. It consists of two side-girders, each cast as a single piece, but with a latticework of saltire crosses in the ironwork. A walkway of iron plates joins the two side-girders, which rest on brick abutments. The bridge dates from the construction of the Extension Canal, and is a grade II listed structure.