Have your say on proposals to improve access along Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Have your say on design proposals for new ramps on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath to help improve accessibility for wheelers.

In partnership with Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), we have recently upgraded the canal towpath between Milnsbridge and Slaithwaite to improve access along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath.

However, Following feedback from local groups, including wheelchair users, cyclists and adapted bike users, we have become aware that Scarwood Bridge and Britannia Bridge are locations along this stretch still proving difficult to access. Alongside with Kirklees Council, we have been working in consultation with local groups to provide access solutions to ensure as many as people possible can enjoy spending time by water.

Scarwood Bridge

At this location the narrow, stepped cobbles and sharp turn beneath the bridge, make it difficult for wheelers to pass by.

The proposal is to provide a new ramp, adjacent to Scarwood Bridge that allows it to be bypassed. This will ramp would be situated between the canal and the River Colne.

Key features:

• The ramp will have a maximum of 1 in 10 gradient, with landings that will allow wheelers to rest.
• The ramp will be located to minimise loss of trees.
• Ramp walls will be faced with stone to blend in with heritage of its surrounding structures.
• The ramp will be 2 metres wide to allow towpath users to pass each other safely
• This proposal would not require any alterations to the structure of the bridge

Click here to view the designs.

Brittania Bridge

At this location the existing steep access ramp is too steep for wheelers to gain access to the canal towpath from Britannia Road. Local users have requested a gentler alternative. The only current alternative is via steep steps

The proposed solution is to provide a new ramp on the west side of Britannia Road that allows wheelers to access the canal towpath via a shallower ramp.

Key features:

• The ramp will have a maximum gradient of 1 in 12 with landings that will allow wheelers to rest.
• The ramp will be 1.2m wide. Although this will not be wide enough for users to pass each other on the ramp, it will allow 1.2m to be retained on the canal towpath (this is approximately the same width available under the bridge).
• This design will allow enough space on the towpath for wheelers to turn at the bottom of the right to head eastwards.

While the space within the towpath corridor is limited, this solution does enable improved access from Britannia Road without disadvantaging other towpath users.

Click here to view the designs.

We plan to implement these designs in February 2024, with funding from the Active Travel Fund and in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Kirklees Council.

Have Your Say

The consultation is now open until Thursday 15 December 2023 at 5:00pm. Please email [email protected]