Netherton Tunnel problems

IT HAS been discovered that the centre section of Netherton Tunnel on the Netherton Tunnel Branch of the BCN.

Cracks have appeared in the brickwork, with some bricks bulging, showing the structure is moving, with engineers at present investigating the cause.

Suffer ground movements

The engineers however state that the tunnel is still structurally sound, though it was known to suffer ground movements, with the centre section considered to be a weak part.

Manager Dean Davies explained:

"We are currently concerned about the amount of movement happening in the centre section of the tunnel, which is a common weak spot in tunnel design."

Restricted

Boat traffic will be severely restricted whilst repairs are being undertaken to the structure.

Netherton was the last major broad tunnel to be built, and was completed as late as 1858, way after the canal 'mania', being prompted by the delays in boats using the narrow Dudley Tunnel, since closed to through traffic.