The opening ceremony for the eastern ramp at the grade II* listed Bennerley Viaduct has been postponed because of safety concerns. The contractors need more time to finish safety features on the ramp before they can hand the site back to FoBV for public use. The opening celebrations planned and advertised for Saturday 3rd August will now be held at the earliest possible future date. John Scruton, chair of the trustees of the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct said the postponement was regrettable but the safety of the public was paramount.
“There are some unforeseen snags in the final stages of construction. Quite rightly the contractors will not sign off the work until they are satisfied with all aspects of the project.
We apologise to everyone who was planning to attend the opening on Saturday and we hope to see them on the rearranged date, which we will announce as soon as we can.”
Under the viaduct
John Scruton added that there was still plenty to see and do at the viaduct. “Visitors can continue to enjoy the view from the deck of the viaduct by using the western ramp from the Erewash Canal towpath. And we are creating new access to the western end of the site from the Nottingham Canal towpath. A path will lead from the canal to the existing gate to the left of the new ramp. Going through the gate takes you to the nature reserve under the
viaduct.” The new path will be open from Saturday 3rd August.
