Work to install bridges over canal weirs to begin

Work to install bridges over seven weirs on a stretch of the Rochdale Canal is to begin as part of a scheme to improve access to the towpath.

The bridge decks, which are about 5ft (1.5m) wide, are being installed on a stretch of the canal between Todmorden and Luddendenfoot.

Calderdale Council will carry out the work along with the Canal and River Trust, with around £400,000 of Active Travel England funding for the work secured through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

The council said the bridges would be installed in phases, beginning with work at Luddendenfoot weir and Stubbing weir in Hebden Bridge.

It said the bridges would improve accessibility, allowing people to cross the weirs safely.

The planned improvements are based on feedback collected as part of previous engagement work, which asked people to choose their preferred option for improvements to Kilnhurst Weir.

The council said the second phase of works will see improvements to weirs at Kilnhurst, Woodhouse, Shaw Wood, Eastwood and Stoodley.

Work to clear vegetation will begin on Monday, before cobbles are relaid where necessary to allow the deck boards to be installed safely.

As part of the installation process, the deck boards for the bridges will be delivered by a Canal and River Trust workboat, before being fully assembled on site.

Work has recently been completed on the canal towpath between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge.

Further improvements are also planned to the towpath between Todmorden and Walsden as part of the Active Todmorden project, in partnership with the Todmorden Town Deal board and funded by the Town Deal fund and the Combined Authority.

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