The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is currently closed at Lock 11W following damage to the supporting embankment resulting from the heavy rain on 1st January 2025. The problem originated with the culvert near Wagon Road Bridge, which erupted into the canal, sending a surge of water downstream, bypassing Lock 12w before overtopping Lock 11w. It looks as if the bank failure may have been compounded by the River Tame eroding the base of the embankment, causing it to slip away from the lock.
The Canal Society is grateful to Duncan Roberts for allowing us to publish these two pictures taken soon after the bank failed. Duncan retains copyright of both pictures.
Canal & River Trust is committed to carrying out repairs to the embankment during the coming months but is faced with the challenge of gaining access through tje woodland on the opposite river bank.
Lock 11W in happier times during the Pennine Explorer cruise of June 2022. Photo by Alan Stopher
In view if the inability to traverse the Narrow Canal fully during this lengthy stoppage we understand that Canal & River Trust is considering promoting up and back visits from the east side including Standedge Tunnel passage both ways whne the tunnel reopens before Easter.
On the east side there is still a towpath closure in place between Lock 4E at Longroyd Bridge and Stoney Battery. Though CRT has reported that negotiations with Network Rail regarding working under Longroyd Railway Viaduct continue and before work can commence. Sadly it is unlikely to mean reopening of this important section of towpath until Spring 2025. This closure has no impact on boat movements.
Elsewhere on the canal there are a number of winter maintenance works ongoing.
