Work has commenced this week to address persistent flooding issues in the Devonshire Tunnel, part of Bath’s popular Two Tunnels cycle route.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, on behalf of Sustrans, the organisation that owns and manages the route, is installing a new pump system at the tunnel’s entrance. This pump will divert floodwater uphill, bypassing the tunnel’s original Victorian cast iron drainage system, which is no longer capable of handling the volume of water caused by modern weather patterns.
The project is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete. While the council aims to keep the tunnel fully open until November 3rd for the initial phase of the work, a full closure will come into effect from November 4th to ensure the safe completion of the project.
Signage will be in place at both ends of the tunnel throughout the works, keeping users informed about the closures and project timelines.
The Two Tunnels Greenway is overseen by Sustrans, with maintenance provided by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Bath and NE Somerset Green Party’s Dom Tristram, commented: “Unfortunately the reality of today’s climate is that we are experiencing more extreme and frequent weather events, and this is only going to become more of a problem. This route is essential for many to achieve practical car-free travel between Bath and other locations in NE Somerset such as Radstock and Midsomer Norton. While these works may be a short-term inconvenience they are necessary to protect the tunnels in the longer term.”
For further enquiries regarding the works, please contact Council Connect via telephone at 01225 39 40 41 or email council_connect@bathnes.gov.uk.