Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

Towpath closure between Bridge 5 and Station Rd Bridge, Luddenden foot - Rochdale Canal

Type: Navigation Closure

Waterway(s): Rochdale Canal

From: 12 February 2026, 3:34pm

To: On-going

Region: Yorkshire and North East

Reason: Repair

Subject to review on: 27 February 2026

Location

Closest waterwayRochdale Canal
Starts atBridge 5, Cooper House Bridge
Ends atStation Rd Bridge

Description

Original 12 February 2026, 3:47pm

There is a towpath closure on the Rochdale Canal between Bridge 5, Cooper House Bridge and Station Road Bridge as a large sinkhole has appeared in addition to an existing sinkhole in the same location. The sinkholes are spanning across the width of the towpath, making it unsafe for pedestrian use. Therefore, a towpath closure has been put in place until further notice. We will be discussing the repair works needed with our Asset Engineers and forecasting how long these repairs are going to take to complete. We will update the notice when further information is available.

As these are not planned works, there are is no diversion route available. Members of the public should leave the towpath and the listed bridge and rejoin the canal at the next available bridge or access point.

Skippers of all crafts are unable to moor on this section whilst this closure is in place.

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our newsletter and discover how we protect canals and help nature thrive