Towpath between Stewart Aqueduct and Spon Lane, New Mainline

Please be advised the towpath needs to remain closed here while there are ongoing discussions between the landowner and the Council regarding further repair works required. 

Thank you for your patience, and for continuing to use the alternative routes. We'll provide a further update on or before Friday 3rd May.

Third party contactors are still making good progress. An inspection of their work so far is required before we can provide a re-opening date. 

We hope to have a re-opening date in the next few weeks.

Contractors are making good progress, but are unable to provide a re-opening date at present. We will update the notice as soon as we receive this.

Contractors have advised the current estimate for removing the scaffold is October 13th. We should hopefully be able to provide a re-opening date next week.

Unfortunately due to unforeseeable circumstances in the repair work, this towpath closure is having to be extended again.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. As soon we receive any further updates & timeframes from contractors, we will update the notice.

Contractors have had issues securing the scaffold to the inside of the building.

They now estimate works will be complete by 18th September.

There was delay in works starting but they are well underway. We are hoping works will be finished and the towpath re-opened on week commencing 11th September.

We will provide a further update as soon as we receive a confirmed date from contractors.

We apologise for the lateness of this update.

Demolition works have begun on the factory wall and it should take around 4 weeks.

We will be able to provide an end date when works are nearing completion.

A contractor has been appointed by the building owner to carry out repair works. We are hoping work will be underway by the end of June but we cannot give an end date at present.

We will aim to provide another update in a few weeks time. 

Please note that this section of towpath needs to remain closed for public safety, as there is a very real danger to anyone using the towpath here.  It's important that no-one tries to bypass any barriers and signs on the towpath; if you're passing on the water, we recommend that you keep a safe distance from the towpath, and avoid mooring in this section.

Whilst we continue to work closely with the owners and local agencies to reduce the risks posed by the walls above the towpath, we'd appreciate your help in our efforts to keep the public safe.  If you see any damage to the safety barriers, or any members of the public using this section of towpath, please let us know on 0303 040 4040.

Thank you for your patience, and for continuing to use the alternative routes whilst we find a long-term solution.

We’ve had to temporarily close the towpath beside the Old Chance Glassworks in Smethwick, as a recent survey carried out on the factory walls of this historic structure, which run immediately next to the towpath, highlighted it as in danger of collapse.  We’re in conversation with the owners of the building and Sandwell Council to ensure a thorough investigation and plan for repairs are carried out and will share any updates when we get them.

Thank you for bearing with us whilst this hazard is removed.  In the meantime, there is a simple diversion along the Old Main Line. Please leave the New Main line canal at Stewarts Aqueduct and walk along the Old Main Line Canal to Spon Lane South. You can either leave the Canal at Spon Lane south and join the New Main Line or continue along the Old Main line canal to Smethwick Junction where you can re-join the New Main Line Canal.