Curly Whirly closed until end of May

THOUGH the repairs to Pinfold Bridge at Wolverhampton were due to be completed by the end of this month, they will not be until the end of May, closing the circular route.

However this is due to Wolverhampton City Council, that is undertaking the work, but there was a chance that the canal would be open for a limited time over Easter, but this too has been stopped, Keith Gudgin tells us.

Popular cruising route

The 'Curly Whirly' gives a popular cruising circle from Wolverhampton, but the closure of the waterway at Pinfold Bridge, just outside the city now prevents this.

Work actually started way back in early December of last year and was due to open this coming Friday, the 31st, but has now been extended by two months until the 27th May, but even then there is no guarantee.

Unstable

The work is on the bridge abutments, that were found to be unstable, with the bridge needing to be propped to avoid any potential failure for the road traffic. That meant the planned winter opening was cancelled to accommodate these emergency works, that are being undertaken by the council, so is out of Canal & River Trust responsibility.

The Trust has attempted to work with the council to bring the opening date forward, but with no success.