I am so happy to hear that the mainline canals in Oldbury and Rowley Regis are finally getting the investment that it deserves.
£3m will be invested to regenerate the routes of the Industrial Revolution.
This investment will be improving active travel connectivity within and across Rowley Regis by upgrading the Old Main Line Canal and Dudley No.2 Canal towpath surfaces, and access points onto the Canal from surrounding areas.
These waterways show true history of our industrial past which back dates more than 250 years ago.
Here are some of the improvements being made to the canals of Oldbury & Rowley Regis👇
New Mainline Canal
The section from Gilberts Bridge to Union Furnace Bridge falls within the Town Deal Boundary. The towpath along this stretch has been upgraded to provide a high quality surface for cycling and walking.
Old Mainline Canal
The section from Tividale Aqueduct (Netherton Tunnel) to High Bridge (Rounds Green Road0 is included within Rowley Regis. The condition of the towpath surface varies, but is generally in poor condition with frequent muddy puddles and braiding.
Dudley Canal
This short section of Dudley Canal connects the Mainline Canals before entering Netherton Tunnel. The towpath is in poor condition.
Gower Branch Canal
This section of canal includes a lock flight and is in generally poor condition.
Ocker Hill to Mainline improvements👇
This scheme will complete the missing link on the Walsall Canal which has been improved through Wednesbury to Ocker Hill but deteriorates to a muddy track. The towpath is well used by cyclists already as a connection to the Mainline Canal into Birmingham.
The scheme will provide a dual towpath for a short section of the Mainline to allow cyclists to continue their journey without doubling back and crossing the canal.
