In early January 2024 the lift bridge of the A340 Basingstoke Road over the Kennet and Avon canal in Aldermaston Wharf had to be removed for some major refurbishment work. During the initial preparation for its removal there wasn’t much to see, although I did manage to get some decent shots of the bare bridge in the afternoon light one day. Then on Friday 12/Jan/24 I was lucky enough to catch a good part of the loading of the bridge on to a trailer during my lunch break walk:
![Picture of a lifted up bridge during preparations for its removal](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/01-bare-bridge-side.jpg)
![Picture of a lifted up bridge during preparations for its removal](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/02-bare-bridge-road.jpg)
![Picture of a removed lift bridge on a towpath](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/03-bridge-towpath.jpg)
![Picture of a canal bridge hanging on a crane over a canal boat](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/04-bridge-over-boat.jpg)
![Picture of a lift bridge hanging from a mobile crane](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/05-bridge-over-canal-1.jpg)
![Picture of a lift bridge being hoisted over a canal](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/06-bridge-over-canal-2.jpg)
![Picture of a bridge hanging from a crane while being lifted over a canal](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/07-bridge-over-canal-3.jpg)
![Picture of a lift bridge hanging from a mobile crane over a road](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/08-bridge-over-road.jpg)
![Picture of a lift bridge over a specially constructed trailer](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/09-bridge-trailer-1.jpg)
![Picture of a lift bridge being loaded on a special trailer](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/10-bridge-trailer-2.jpg)
![Picture of a lift bridge being lowered on to a trailer to be taken away for refurbishment](http://blog.ministryofpropaganda.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/11-bridge-trailer-3.jpg)
The bridge will now receive some long overdue maintenance and improvements over a few weeks before being reinstalled in mid March 2024. I’m hoping to be lucky again and be out for my lunch break walk at the right time, but obviously can’t promise anything.
For a few pictures and a video from the original removal check this report in Newbury Today.