Temporary fix planned to free narrowboats stuck in Bath
The Kennet & Avon Canal tunnel has been closed since 9th October
A temporary fix is planned for a damaged canal tunnel in Bath, which could free narrowboats that have been stuck for more than two weeks.
Bath and North East Somerset Council is planning to install a "temporary shield" around a hole in the roof of the tunnel on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
The aim is to make it safe for boats to pass under it again.
What happened to the tunnel
Contractors Volker Highways broke through the brick roof of the 200-year-old tunnel on 9th October.
They were carrying out roadworks for the council on the A36 above.
The tunnel has been closed to both boats and pedestrians on safety grounds ever since.
That has left boaters on the last mile of the canal cut off from the rest of the network.
The closure is just a mile from where the 57-mile canal meets the River Avon.
Update from the Canal & River Trust
The Canal & River Trust gave an update on Tuesday 27th October.
It said: "Bath & North East Somerset Council are proposing to install a temporary shield around the damaged area of the tunnel to allow the navigation to be opened until a more permanent repair design can be formulated.
"They are working on the design now and there will be another update when Canal and River Trust know more. The navigation and towpath will remain closed until further notice."
The organisation added: "We appreciate your patience and cooperation while this matter is being progressed."
Boats waiting on the final stretch
At this time of year, many boaters who spent the summer on the river are moving onto the canal to avoid floods.
More boats are now crowding into the short stretch of canal.
Until the tunnel reopens, none of them can leave except back onto the river.
Road closure and petition
A one-lane closure is in place on Beckford Road, the A36, around the damage.
The closure has led to long queues and safety concerns.
Almost a thousand people have signed a petition calling on the council to reopen nearby Sydney Road.
Sydney Road was turned into a liveable neighbourhood in 2024.
The petition says reopening it would let drivers take an alternative route instead of driving over the damaged bridge.
Council response
Asked about the safety of the road, a spokesperson for Bath and North East Somerset Council said: "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."