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Two Tunnels Greenway

A new shared path for Bath and North East Somerset

Mogers bridge

Route construction news

The Two Tunnels route will use an old rail trackbed to burrow beneath Combe Down - the high ground south of the city - creating an almost level and direct route between the city centre of Bath and the Sustrans path NCN 24, 2½ miles south of the city - a gateway to an emerging wider network of routes.

Events: Updated: We've images and news on our Tunnel open day event page.

A prompt start now on the Two Tunnels route will provide a much-needed £1.8 million boost for the economy, taking advantage of reduced construction costs in the process.

There are encouraging signs that the delay to this project is over. Previously it has been held up by uncertainty over Council involvement and funding (now resolving), and final contractual arrangements are still not in place. But it now has staff as well as funding. The council will shortly accept engineering surveys on the three major structures.

These surveys can hardly be expected to give the structures a perfectly clean bill of health - Devonshire Tunnel has a minor subsidence problem at one portal, while Tucking Mill Viaduct may have voids between the later structure and the earlier viaduct that lies within. Any problems will have engineering solutions, and we'll look to the three components of the Two Tunnels group to pull together and work to give this iconic route a purpose in the 21st Century.

Let's reflect on a quote from a descendent of the contractor who built the line and went on to build the Severn Tunnel:

'My great grandfather, Thomas Andrew Walker, built the Bath to Evercreech line in 1872-4, including the two tunnels. We are delighted with the use to which you are putting this long-forgotten railway.'

The route has impressive local and national support. As its campaign group, we're delighted at the range of both individuals and organisations backing its timely construction - here's evidence:

We're at an interesting stage to say the least - and you can help in several ways - perhaps with funding, perhaps by joining our support group, more details below. It may be that your organisation can offer practical help with building the route. If you'd like a guided tour, do join one of our route rides.

More Funding: How You Can Help

With construction about to begin, both organisations and individuals can contribute to the success of the 'Two Tunnels Greenway'. We expect to see substantial progress with the route's building during 2008 (let's make that 2009). With more funding for major structures from individuals and organisations we can build a better Two Tunnels route.

If you or your organisation can sponsor one of our 'Big ticket' structures, you've the opportunity to give the city of Bath a present that will be of long term value - helping secure the route and giving its history proper recognition in the 21st century. You'll be giving a unique resource to Bath's residents and visitors - space to exercise, walk with friends and family, enjoy the city from a new angle, space to think. If you'd like to help, please get in touch.

Dartmouth Avenue Bridge
High level crossing for the Two Tunnels route across a minor road in Oldfield Park - estimated at £150,000.
Monksdale Road Bridge
A second high level crossing of another road - also estimated at £150,000.
Tunnel Lighting
An innovative lighting scheme for this iconic structure, low energy and respectful of the need to make the tunnel environment wildlife friendly and enhance travellers appreciation of its history. Estimated at £300,000.
Tucking Mill Viaduct Repairs
This is a brick and masonry structure and we are working to secure its future.

Sign up and join over 500 supporters -
at our 'Yahoogroup' mailing list.

Become a Sustrans external link supporter.

Watch a two minute TV clip courtesy of ITV West external link (9 megabytes - select the link and be prepared to wait while it downloads)

If you're on 'Facebook', join the Two Tunnels Facebook group external link. We need supporters from schools, colleges, athletics groups and the local universities - major users of the proposed path but under-represented on our own support group. Now that you've discovered this project, spread the word and help it to happen.

Look at it this way

If this line had been opened fifty years earlier, we'd value it as part of Georgian Bath.

Instead, its structures are 'Blue-brick patchwork Victorian'. Unglamorous, the line carried millions of people to holidays on the south coast, carried the beer from Burton to Dorset, carried the coal that gave Bath the grimy black and silver appearance that many people will recall from the days before its buildings were cleaned.

It's as much a part of Bath's history as Pulteney Bridge, and as a national rail link, it was the stuff of legend, which makes its local neglect all the more unfortunate.

Who is this for though?

Timescale

With permissions and legal aspects in place,
it's hoped that path construction may take 2 years.

Finances

Table for two+, Dundas

Dundas Aqueduct: 1970, derelict
November 2005, valued open space.

If we were now looking at a neglected Dundas aqueduct, the task ahead would be daunting. With your support we'll turn engineering works on the Two Tunnels route from liabilites into assets. Two of the three viaducts on the route need maintenance or demolition. Both approaches represent expenses, but these structures are assets: it's better to seek grant money that enables their reuse rather than eventual demolition through neglect.

Consider Midford Viaduct, now reused by NCN24, courtesy of a £163,000 grant from the Department for Transport, or the recent restoration of Midford aqueduct, at a cost of £850,000. The 'Two Tunnels' route will still cost rather more than both of these put together, but it is achievable, desirable and, given the benefits, not unaffordable. If you'd use this resource and you've got this far, do something today to help this happen.

Support

Join our support group, it's free, and there's more information as to why this will help here.


Maintained for Two Tunnels Group by the membership. Updated June 30th 2009   Web Visitor Statistics

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Tel (Ansaphone): (+44) 1225 723 490
Two Tunnels: the number 1 sustainable tourism initiative for Bath