Full Breakdown
Temporary Shield Proposed to Reopen Damaged Kennet & Avon Canal Tunnel
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Incident Overview
On October 9, contractors from Volker Highways broke through the brick roof of the 200-year-old tunnel that carries the Kennet & Avon Canal beneath the A36 Beckford Road in Bath. The breach forced the closure of both the canal and its towpath on safety grounds, cutting off the final mile (about 1.96 km) of the waterway from the rest of the 57-mile (? 92 km) canal network. A one-lane closure remains on Beckford Road, creating long vehicle queues and raising safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians.
02
Official Statements & Responses
Bath and North East Somerset Council announced a plan to install a “temporary shield” around the damaged section of the tunnel, allowing narrowboats to pass while a permanent repair design is developed. The Canal & River Trust confirmed it is working on the shield design and reiterated that the navigation and towpath will stay closed until further notice. Both bodies emphasized ongoing monitoring of the situation and thanked users for their patience.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Impact on Boaters and Traffic
With the tunnel sealed, boaters on the last mile of the canal are unable to continue toward the River Avon, forcing them to remain in a crowded stretch that has seen increased traffic as summer-season river users shift to the canal to avoid flooding. The road closure on Beckford Road has also led to prolonged vehicle queues, prompting safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians alike.
04
Public Petition
Approximately 1,000 signatures have been collected on a petition urging the council to reopen nearby Sydney Road, which was converted into a “liveable neighbourhood” in 2024, to provide an alternative route for drivers forced onto the damaged bridge.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “Safety is our first priority and engineers are closely monitoring the bridge. We are continuing with the eastbound one-lane Beckford Road closure, as well as the closure of the canal and adjacent towpath at the north end of Sydney Gardens. We want to thank people for their patience and of course we will give further updates when we have them.” — North East Somerset Council
- “Safety is our first priority and engineers are closely monitoring the bridge.” — East Somerset Council spokesperson