Empire Mills Wash Walls Repairs, Slaithwaite

We are sorry to advise our customers that an extension is required to this stoppage. The repair works have been completed. However, we need to remove a large amount of silt. The navigation will reopen on Wednesday 22nd March 2023 at 7am. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.

Repair works on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, between Uppermill Bridge and Lock 23 East are being undertaken to reinforce the supporting wash wall along a 250m stretch of the canal. The wash wall has been damaged over time and is now in need of repair to prevent further damage or collapse and to ensure the safety of people using the canal and the access road running alongside.

The navigation will remain closed until 17/03/2023, whereby all remaining work will be completed by the 17/04/2023 and the site then demobilised.

We are working hard to minimise disruption during this repair programme. The closure of the access road will be carried out in rolling sections; starting at the section closest to Uppermill Bridge, and moving towards Lock 23 East. Parking outside businesses/residencies will be restricted during road closures as necessary. Vehicular and pedestrian access to the access road and canal from two locations – the first is via Uppermill Bridge off Rotcher Lane, the second is just off Church Street. One of these accesses will always be available during the work and signage will be in place to ensure that closures are evident to all.

Wherever possible we will keep a through road open to pedestrians. During periods when this isn’t possible, a temporary footpath diversion will be implemented. Pedestrian access to either side of the canal is possible by walking over Uppermill Bridge (Western access) or Bridge 44a (eastern access).

These demobilisation works will not have an impact on the navigation, which will reopen on 17/03/2023 as advised.

A stoppage is required.

A contractor is undertaking 250 meters of washwalls repairs between Lock 23E and Lock 24E.

Due to the extent of this work, the navigation will not be able to be reopened for the Christmas period and will remain closed.