Work begins on £450,000 path linking Crowle to Scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire Council began installing the first phase of the new £450,000 path, that will connect Crowle to Scunthorpe via Keadby and Gunness. last week.

Some preparation work started in December on the footpath between North Lincolnshire Retail Park and Gunness that runs along the railway line at the back of Glanford Park. This included resurfacing and widening the path over the M181 at Frodingham Grange.

Further preparation work, started on January 4, and work will recommence on the section between Glanford Park and Gunness early in the New Year; with work starting on the canal in early February.

Work will be carried out:

Canal towpath between The Barge Inn and Vazon Bridge will be closed for two weeks between February 8 and 19.

Between New Pilfrey Bridge and Vazon Bridge will require a three week closure between February 22 and March 4.

Between the A161 and New Pilfrey Bridge from March 7 to April 15.

The towpath works are being carried out in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of historic waterways in England and Wales. The works will create a 2.1 metre wide surfaced towpath with access gates and parking areas for anglers. As well as wildlife habitat improvements, information boards and rest areas; repairs to the canal walls will also be carried out.

Councillor John Briggs said: “Keadby Canal cycleway will help connect our communities together and allow cyclists to travel safely throughout North Lincolnshire.”

Jane Thomson, enterprise manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The canal is a popular route for people going to work and the shops but it’s also a fantastic place to get away from the hustle and bustle and explore the area’s rich history. These works will improve the towpath for everyone and we hope that once finished we’ll be able to see people enjoying a wide range of activities on the path whether that be a leisurely bike ride, a quiet afternoon’s fishing or exploring nature with the family.”

Dates are provisional. Work should be completed by the end of 2016.