Phase 3 of the project will see the final connection into the Manchester Ship Canal (MSC). After exiting the showcase double staircase locks, boats will pass into a final winding hole, the last opportunity to turn around. From here they will enter a caisson and be transported down an inclined plane into the MSC.
The Caisson
A caisson is a large watertight chamber and would be similar, although much smaller than, the one shown on the right. The caisson would be lowered down (or raised up) the inclined plan on a set of tracks, passing through a tunnel under Old Coach Road, exiting opposite Bridgewater house before finally being released into the MSC. This would be the only example of its type in the country and provide a unique visitor and boating attraction to draw people into the town.
