Editing Thames and Severn Canal (section)

====Phase 3====
The completion of the project is outlined in phase 3, to connect Brimscombe Port in the west with Gateway Bridge in the east, a distance of about {{convert|16|mi|km}}.<ref name="RestorationPhase3"/> Restoring this central section poses several major engineering difficulties: firstly to overcome the water supply that was always inadequate, and secondly because the {{convert|2.2|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} [[Sapperton Canal Tunnel|Sapperton Tunnel]] is blocked by two rock falls. In addition, there are two missing railway bridges, an aqueduct, and 31 locks to rebuild. As of May 2015, there was no significant funding in place for any restoration projects on this section of the canal.<ref name="RestorationPhase3"/>

Parts of the tunnel are in good condition, where it has been cut through stable rock, either [[Great Oolite Group|Great Oolite]] limestone at the Coates end, or [[Inferior Oolite]] towards the Daneway end. However, a length of {{convert|0.63|mi|km}} near the middle of the tunnel and {{convert|0.28|mi|km}} at the Daneway end are cut through [[fuller's earth]], and although lined with brick, the fuller's earth expands when wet, and this has resulted in heave of the bottom of the tunnel, causing wall and roof falls.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cotswoldcanals.org/canals/about-the-canals/the-thames-severn/#iLightbox[phase-2]/0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231120358/https://cotswoldcanals.org/canals/about-the-canals/the-thames-severn/#iLightbox[phase-2]/0 |archive-date=31 December 2021 |url-status=live |title=Tunnel Cross Section |publisher=Cotswold Canals}}</ref>