Union Canal: Diversion in place as towpath closure extended

The proposed diversion route from Station Road, Brightons to Kettilstoun, Linlithgow while the Union Canal towpath is closed.

Pedestrians and cyclists are advised the towpath closure on the Union Canal following last week’s breach has been extended and a diversion is now in place between Brightons and Linlithgow.

The extension to the stretch of path closed to members of the public comes after a minor embankment slip happened to the west of the breach site on Tuesday.

Scottish Canals said more then 60mm of topsoil had been displaced from the hill in the Brightons area.

The breach happened in the early hours of last Wednesday morning. (Pic: Scottish Canals)

The path, which is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists, was previously closed between the A801 bridge and the Vellore Road bridge after a 30 metre section of the towpath and embankment were washed away during the torrential rain on Wednesday, August 12.

However a larger section of the towpath is now closed and a diversion has been introduced.

The diversion is from Brightons, near Polmont, to Linlithgow for the foreseeable future, extending the distance from 4.4 miles and an estimated one hour 26 minutes walking, to 4.7 miles and an estimated one hour 33 minutes.

The proposed diversion route sees people coming off the towpath at Station Road in Brightons, continuing along the A803 and rejoining the canal towpath at Kettlistoun in Linlithgow.

The canal breach last week saw thousands of gallons of water escape through the gap, cascading down the hill onto the main Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line causing significant damage.

Initial assessments by engineers suggest it could take two months to repair the damage and reopen the railway line.

Images show extent of damage on Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you