The work, which is going ahead thanks to funds secured by us, will ensure that commuters and local shoppers visiting the retail park no longer need to dodge large puddles when walking or cycling along one of the region's most popular stretches of waterway.
As well as the new wider towpath, we also have the opportunity to repair a worn out set of access steps from the towpath at the Old Leicester Road Aqueduct and install new mooring rings so boaters can easily moor and have easy access to the local shops and restaurants. The canal wall is also being raised to stop water from flowing out of the canal and making the towpath wet and soggy.
The work is expected to last eight to ten weeks with a temporary diversion route along Leicester Road.
Charles Baker, our senior project manager, said: "The canal towpath in Rugby is really popular as it's a perfect route for anyone wanting to get to and from either the nearby retail park or town without having the walk along the road. The Canal & River Trust is delighted it can carry out these improvements as it will mean that people arriving either on foot, cycle or by boat, will soon be able to can use this green traffic-free route into town all year round without having to worry about getting their feet wet and muddy."