As part of a fibre installation project running alongside the canal, the team has had to find innovative ways to progress the work while keeping the public walkways fully open. One of the solutions generating the most interest is our modular pontoon walkway, an engineered access route that allows the towpath to remain operational while construction continues alongside it.
With several kilometres of new ducting being installed, the project team has been navigating tight access constraints, sensitive ecological areas, and varying ground conditions. The modular pontoon has become a key element in overcoming these challenges. Its stable, floating structure enables pedestrians to move safely along the canal while plant and crews work on the landward side, ensuring steady project progress without compromising public access.
Engineering Precision in a Constrained Environment
To maintain towpath stability throughout the works, the team implemented a staged excavation and duct‑laying methodology. This approach limits ground disturbance at any one time, helping to preserve the integrity of the route and minimise impact on canal users. Our Safety & Environment team have made a number of inspection visits to the work area and our SHEQ Manager, Ian Halloway, had this to say:
Wherever we need to work, JSM prides itself on setting up safe working areas with minimal disruption for the communities we work in. The canal work has shown how we can apply innovative solutions to protect people and the environment, whilst allowing us to get on with work.
In areas where tree‑root protection was required, the construction sequence was further refined. Mechanical excavation was replaced with hand‑digging, carried out under the supervision of an arboricultural specialist to safeguard structural roots. These controls ensured that essential ducting works could progress without damaging mature trees or compromising long‑term habitat quality.
Building with the Environment in Mind
Environmental responsibility has been another key driver of the project. All works were scheduled outside nesting‑bird season to ensure compliance with ecological requirements. The combined measures, controlled excavation, root‑protection procedures, and seasonal safeguarding, form an integrated methodology that respects the complexity of the canal’s natural surroundings.
A Model of Adaptive, Responsible Engineering
This phase of delivery demonstrates the strength of combining technical innovation with environmental stewardship. From the modular pontoon system that keeps people moving, to the carefully planned excavation strategy that protects the landscape, the project showcases what can be achieved when engineering precision meets ecological care.