Emergency Calderdale repairs to stop tunnel under bridge from collapsing

The Environment Agency has employed contractors BAM Nuttall to carry out urgent works at Shade Chapel, Todmorden to stabilise and prevent the watercourse from becoming blocked.

Project manager Tony Hartley, from the Environment Agency, said: “It is vital that we progress with this work as quickly as possible as there is a risk of the culvert collapsing again which would be likely to cause flooding and damage to local properties.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our construction workers and the local community is a priority for us and we are strictly following advice from the Government and industry regarding safe working on construction sites during this coronavirus outbreak.

“Although we are currently unable to provide face-to-face public consultations or leaflet drops due to coronavirus social distancing restrictions, we will continue to keep the local community updated on our progress using the Calderdale partners website Eye on Calderdale www.eyeoncalderdale.com and our Twitter account @EnvAgencyYNE.”

Last weekend over- pumping was completed at the site to divert the river flow around the culvert to allow construction workers to set up a safe working area. Concrete was also poured into the base of the culvert to prevent further undermining of its walls.

Temporary repair work will be carried out in five stages with supports installed to stabilise the culvert. Debris and unsupported beams will also be removed as safe access into the culvert is gradually progressed.

The temporary works are expected to be completed by mid- May. These will allow the culvert to be rebuilt and prevent any further erosion or damage in the future.