STOKE City Council and the Canal & River Trust are working together on a project which includes removing and replacing the Whieldon Road towpath bridge deck as it has now reached the end of its serviceable life. To carry out the work safely, the towpath and bridge between Whieldon Road and the incinerator has been fully closed since August 11. The work is due to last for about four weeks, during which time there will be no access on to the canal at this section.
It forms part of a larger canal improvement project stretching from the city’s train station to Longton Road in Hem Heath, funded through Stoke City Council’s £20 million Levelling Up partnership investment. Works includes clearing overgrown vegetation, resurfacing the towpath and installing new solar lighting.
James Dennison of the CRT told Lucy Wood: “The decking on the Whieldon Road towpath bridge has significantly deteriorated and needs full replacement. To ensure public safety, we have no choice but to close this section of towpath while the work takes place.
“We appreciate the local community’s patience during this time while we carry out the works. Our teams will work as quickly as possible to complete the job and reopen the towpath. In the meantime, we encourage walkers and cyclists to use the alternative route along the River Trent and continue to enjoy spending time by the water.”
Coun Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for regeneration, transport and infrastructure at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: “I am pleased that this project is progressing well. It is a key part of our joint efforts to bring our canal network back to life while making it safer, more attractive and accessible to all.
“We recognise that these works may pose a small inconvenience to some canal users in the short term, but this closure is necessary for public safety reasons. By enhancing the canal, we are opening up this beautiful space to more people to enjoy the natural environment on their doorsteps.”
