Canal towpath improvements set to get underway  

The work, which is being delivered by Worcestershire County Council, will start on Monday 7 November, on the section of towpath between Blackpole Road Bridge and Lock 11 (Sixways Stadium carpark).

This is part of a wider package of walking and cycling improvements, which will see further enhancements delivered on the Ronkswood, Diglis Basin to Sixways and Diglis Bridge to the Ketch Active Travel Corridors.

Councillor Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “It’s great that we’re now in a position to start improvements to this area of canal towpath and plans are in place for further works to enhance cycling and walking provision in Worcester.

“This package of work is yet another example of our commitment to improving active travel routes across the county.”

These works will link in with recent improvements made on the canal towpath in the area, as part of the Emergency Active Travel Fund, and are being carried out due to funding received by Worcester City Council, via the Towns Fund.

Councillor Lynn Denham, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Worcester City Council is committed to improving opportunities for walking and cycling in the city, which is why we are investing a total of £4.5 million in active travel across the city as part of a £19.6m package of enhancements to Worcester backed by the cash we secured from the national Towns Fund.

“This current phase to upgrade the canal towpath will mean that there is a sealed surface route all the way from Diglis to the Worcester Warriors Stadium, providing an all-weather option for walkers and cyclists.”

The work on the towpath between Blackpole Road Bridge and Lock 11 will run until March 2023, with some closures of the towpath in place during the works.

The wider package of work is being delivered over the next three years.