Event Marks Progress On C&O Canal At Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT, Md. (AP) -- The National Park Service is starting work on a project to raise a steel "lift bridge" on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal at Williamsport.

The ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday marks progress toward the agency's goal of making the western Maryland town a showpiece near the mid-point of the nearly 185-mile historical park.

The lift bridge historically would be moved up and down to allow canal boats to pass beneath. It was last lowered in 1924 when the canal was shut down, and park officials say it probably has not been raised since.

The raising of the bridge will allow launch boats carrying passengers to travel further in a re-watered section of the canal.

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