Updates
06/12/2024 14:37
We are working hard to find a solution to allow us to repair this retaining wall and reopen the towpath in 2025.
This repair project is complicated by landownership issues, contamination by asbestos, services within the private land behind the wall and the proximity of the rail line along the top of the embankment. We have explored temporary options to reopen the towpath but due to serious health & safety concerns of a landslip, the towpath will remain closed until further notice.
We apologise for the disruption and frustration caused, but public safety is our utmost priority.
01/02/2024 15:08
The investigations have been completed and our engineers are now working on the detailed design required to repair the wall. Due to the presence of asbestos and complications behind the wall, this repair project has been bigger and taken longer than we first expected. We currently anticipate that we will be able to repair the wall in late summer/autumn 2024. We have continued to explore options to reopen the towpath before the repair is complete but due to the risk of the wall collapsing it is not possible to safely open the towpath. We are very sorry for the inconvenience that closing the towpath has caused, but our priority is public safety. We will provide an update regarding timescales when we have this information.
26/09/2023 11:59
Safety along our canals and for all towpath users is the Trust's main concern. Unfortunately, the towpath closure on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal between Huddersfield and Milnbridge is unavoidable due to safety concerns.
Earlier this year, the wall started to bulge and break apart due to the presence of tree roots, so the Trust closed this section of towpath to keep people safe.
Early investigations have uncovered the presence of asbestos and complications behind the wall, meaning the repair will be more difficult than first expected.
Further work will be undertaken to identify the best solution. The Trust has explored options to reopen the towpath on a temporary basis.
However, due to the real risk of wall collapse, it is not possible for the towpath to be safely opened until the repair has been completed and so we cannot confirm when it will reopen.
We apologise for any inconvenience, but our priority is ensuring people's safety.
We will update the notice with any further information that we receive.
01/06/2023 16:24
A request has been submitted to make the wall safe, however the repair could take some time.
In the meantime, for safety reasons, the fencing will remain in place.
We will update the notice with any further information that we receive.
