**** STOP PRESS As at 6th July ****
Today a WCT Representative has spoken to the Rothen Project Manager.
“The whole length from Wendover to Halton, had to be closed while the bank protection work was under way, and as heavy plant was moving“.
As from today the Towpath from Oliver’s Bridge to Halton will re-open.
While Wharf Road to Oliver’s Bridge will remain closed while the main part of the new surface is laid.
When that has been laid, Wharf Road to Oliver’s Bridge will reopen while Oliver’s Bridge to Halton is closed for the new surface.
ORIGINAL UPDATE:–
The canal towpath from Wendover to Halton is currently being upgraded by the Canal & River Trust and its contractors Kier plc and Rothen Group.
This high-specification upgrade will result in an all-weather path of a width of 1.5m, or more where possible, together with bank reinforcing, a strong membrane, a solid foundation and a surface of Centrack which is limestone-based, highly durable, widely used and particularly suited to this rural environment.
Bank work was started in early June and will be completed in early July. This is carried out using Nicospan vertical liner held in place by posts and infilled with silt that has been dredged from the canal.
The second stage will then start which is the laying of the 100mm (4”) deep stone foundation between Wharf Road and Walnut Meadow, followed by the next stretch between Walnut Meadow and the centre of Halton.
Each of these stages will take about three weeks and will involve the closing of the towpath at either end, but in each case the rest of the towpath between Wendover and Halton will be open. So this will be completed by late August.
Finally the 50mm (2”) deep, sand-coloured Centrack surface will be laid, requiring the entire towpath between Wharf Road and the centre of Halton to be closed; this will take three weeks and be completed by mid-September.
Wooden edging board will be on the canal side of the Centrack surface, and soil seeded with grass will be laid between the board and the canal to encourage vegetation.
Further details of construction methods can be found at Canal & River Trust, Rothen Group, Nicospan and Centrack web sites, or using the link below.
Nicospan Bank Protection | The Rothen Group | Canal & Waterways UK
Fundraising for this work has been led by the Wendover Canal Trust.
