Flood Damage To Well Used Towpath Forces Closure

Published on: 28 Dec, 2013
Updated on: 2 Jan, 2014

Part of the bank and towpath washed away by the flood near Dapdune Wharf. The path was closed today (December 28).

The towpath by the River Wey, in stretches opposite Dapdune Wharf and behind Walnut Tree Close, has been closed because it is unsafe.

The announcement came today in a comment sent to Guildford Dragon News after photographs of the damaged sections were published.

John Gibson, the navigations manager at the National Trust wrote: “The National Trust have now closed the towpath from Walnut Tree foot bridge to the railway bridge at Dapdune Wharf as a safety measure to protect towpath users.

…it may be several months before the towpath and bank can be repaired and reopened – navigation manager

“Your pictures clearly show the main area affected where the bank has been eroded greatly reducing the towpath width with a steep drop into deep water. There is a concern that the rest of the bank could give way while someone is walking or cycling along this stretch of the towpath with disastrous results for the individuals concerned.

Cost of the flood: The floodwaters washed away the towpath of the River Wey between the town and the seven arch bridge, Walnut Tree Close.

“Due to the depth of water at this location and the need to gain Land Drainage Consent from the Environment Agency for works within eight meters of a main river it may be several months before the towpath and bank can be repaired and reopened.

“The cost of repairs will also be substantial and the Trust, as a charity, would welcome any donations towards the cost of reinstating the bank and towpath through the centre of Guildford, a well used pedestrian and cycling route into the town centre avoiding the busy road network.

“The National Trust apologise for any inconvenience caused during this temporary closure of the towpath. Alternative routes along Walnut Tree Close or Bedford and Mary Roads are available.”

Map showing the damaged sections of the towpath shown in the photographs.

Responses to Flood Damage To Well Used Towpath Forces Closure

L Cairns Reply

December 28, 2013 at 11:30 pm

Oh no. That’s my main safe cycle route to work every day. Not looking forward to delays. Hope it can be repaired soon as many people use the route daily into town.
- John Gibson Reply
  
  December 30, 2013 at 5:27 pm
  
  In response to L Cairns, yes I also cycle along the towpath to work and can appreciate the difficulty it causes when it is closed. We will try our best to repair the towpath as soon as possible, however the path and bank are badly damaged and I am afraid it will take time to put right.
  
  John Gibson is the navigations manager at the National Trust
Jim Allen Reply

December 31, 2013 at 4:00 pm

I too use this footpath on my way back from town and the soomer it is repaired the better.

Hopefully, when they ‘reinstate’ it they will cantilever the towpath footway over a widened river to allow more space for the water to escape the centre of town. An extra couple of square metres dimension along this section would provide an amazing release of the water levels experienced over the past week.