Parker proceeded to build a tub-boat canal from the quarry to Marsh Mills. It was about wide, and stopped above the bridge. He then wrote to the tramway company, suggesting that he was undecided whether to complete the canal by tunnelling under the turnpike road to connect it to the river, or to link it to their tramway at Crabtree by building a private branch. The letter resulted in an agreement on tolls, and the private tramway was built to complete the link. The canal was a little under long, and the tramway was about long. It crossed the river on a cast iron bridge with two arches.