The increase in the production of food, coal and manufactured goods created transport problems in Britain. Most of Britain's roads were dirt tracks, which were very dangerous in bad weather.

After 1759 canals like the Bridgewater Canal were built across Britain to help ease these problems. The Bridgewater Canal linked Manchester with the Duke of Bridgewater's coal mines at Worsley. When the canal opened in 1761 it was a great success. Coal production from the mines increased and the price of coal, which was used as fuel, fell by 50% overnight in Manchester. Canals were used to transport coal, food, building materials and cotton.