Holes well that ends well?

Your intrepid reporter has refrained from more updates on the canal hole at Bridge 80 as, like the traffic lights near Adderley, there hasn't been much to report. Apart from the hole getting bigger.

However, the good news for us walkers is that it seems likely the towpath won't be totally closed. Coming from Audlem, it looks like we'll be diverted up the shiny new steps, down the lane towards Monks Hall Farm, round the back of the site compound, and then back onto the towpath beyond the engineering works. Now we know what the crowd control barriers are for!

The bad news is that Canal & River Trust (CRT) are predicting the works will take 8-10 weeks: 10 weeks takes us to beyond Easter, so not good news for boaters. That, of course, assumes boating will again be allowed by then...

Maybe CRT should contact Norman & David Huntbach to get the job speeded up?
Dave Martin

Meanwhile an update has been received from the Canal and River Trust via Derek Jones our Cornish Correspondent as follows

Notice Alert Shropshire Union Canal Location: Bridge 80, Bennetts Bridge, Shropshire Union Canal

Starts At: Bridge 79, Moss Hall
Ends At: Bridge 82, Coole Lane
Friday 15 January 2021 13:00 until further notice
Type: Navigation Closure
Reason: Structure failure

Update on 29/01/2021:

Our engineers have prepared their design for the permanent repair works to the culvert by Bridge 80, Bennetts Bridge on the Shropshire Union Canal and our contractors have started to set up a temporary towpath diversion around the work site whilst continuing with site set up. We are planning to bring the machines needed to start building access into the canal bed early next week.

Whilst many factors need to be taken into consideration, including the ongoing effects from Storm Christoph and arising emergency works in the North West, we anticipate these works will take 8 to 10 weeks.

A further update will be provided by Friday 5 February.

Update on 22/01/2021:

Our contractors have continued with site set up this week at Bridge 80, Bennetts Bridge on the Shropshire Union Canal. Unfortunately, due to Storm Christoph, works onsite have been delayed, however our engineers have continued to work hard on developing the design for the repair works and we will resume the planned dewatering operations on Monday 25 January.

A further update will be provided Friday 29 January.