A section of the Kennet and Avon Canal in Bath remains closed after a tunnel was damaged during road improvement works carried out by VolkerHighways.
The Canal & River Trust (CRT) closed the canal navigation and towpath following the incident on 9 October. The contractor was working on improvements commissioned by Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES).
Structural assessment required
CRT said stones were dislodged while the surface of a road bridge was being excavated, damaging the underside of the tunnel arch over the canal.
“For safety reasons and until a structural engineer from BANES can make a detailed assessment of the structure, the canal navigation and towpath will remain temporarily closed,” the trust said in an update.
A BANES spokesperson said the damage occurred during work to improve walking and cycling routes on the A36 Beckford Road.
“Safety is our first priority and engineers are closely monitoring the bridge,” they said.
The council said the eastbound one-lane closure on Beckford Road would continue, alongside the closure of the canal and adjacent towpath at the north end of Sydney Gardens. It said further updates would be issued when available.
VolkerHighways had been contacted for comment.