Towpath Closures - Shipley Towpath Improvement Works - Dock Lane Swing Bridge to Buck Hill Swing Bridge and Strangford Bridge to Dobson Locks - Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Please see below clarification of the towpath closures:

There are two closed sections, between Dock Lane Swing Bridge to Buck Hill Swing Bridge (approx. 3 km), & Strangford Bridge to Dobson Locks (approx. 2 km).

Please note that there is public access to the section in the middle of these two closures, between Buck Hill Swing Bridge & Strangford Bridge. However users cannot travel from Shipley to Apperley Bridge using the towpath route as there is no access upstream past Buck Hill Swing Bridge or downstream past Strangford Bridge.

Due to an unexpected delay, the start dates have moved as follows: 18/03/2022 (Dock Lane to Buck Hill Swing Bridge) and 21/03/2022 (Strangford Bridge to Dobson’s Lock).

Apologies the start date stated below is incorrect. The works will commence 11/03/2022 (Dock Lane to Buck Hill Swing Bridge) and 14/03/2022 (Strangford Bridge to Dobson’s Lock).

The Canal and River Trust are closing sections of the Shipley Towpath for the safety and wellbeing of the workers when undertaking surface improvements. The construction period is between 07/03/22 and 19/08/22.

The proposed multi-user route stretches for approximately 5km in total in two sections, Dock Lane Swing Bridge to Buck Hill Swing Bridge (approx. 3 km) & Strangford Bridge to Dobson Locks (approx. 2 km).

The contractor will be using boats for the transfer of Plant and Materials, therefore skippers of all craft are reminded to navigate with care.

All affected visitor and permanent moorings will be closed during this time.

Pedestrians and cyclist who use this section are advised that we expect the entire length of this towpath will be closed during the works.

If possible, we will aim to re-open sections of the towpath towards Apperley Bridge earlier than the expected end date of 19/08/22 providing there is an access point onto the towpath, however dates cannot be confirmed at the time of writing (02/03/22).