The Lichfield Canal route takes us under the busy Cross-city railway line from Lichfield to Birmingham. To get through this obstacle we need to build a tunnel. 

This would always be a hugely difficult obstacle in terms of railway management, especially as there are foundations for overhead line electrification equipment.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2019:

The County Highways have now started work on the Lichfield Southern Bypass railway bridge. Last year, it became evident that our Tunnel Vision would have to wait for County Council contractors, AMEY, to complete the installation of their bridge. Their work is taking up all of the land available and their work is now well advanced for placing the bridge during possession of Network Rail’s tracks during Christmas 2019. Agreements require part of the bypass to be funded by Persimmon Homes, as it is needed for access to their new St. John's housing estate, with two bridges over the diverted route for the Lichfield Canal.

Following completion of the bypass bridge in early 2020, land needed for the canal becomes available for a contractor to drive a tunnel structure through the embankment. Engineering details are now coming into sharper focus for Planning Permission, Network Rail approval and land acquisition with the Target Cost of £1,000,000 set some years ago being updated.

Meanwhile, we have made massive progress of our own in seeking funding in a wider scope for connecting parts of the Lichfield Canal - keep your fingers crossed! (We would be required to provide a 10% contribution towards the grant bid.)

We are now pursuing competitive quotations for various stages of the tunnel work in tandem with local property developments related to the canal tunnel.In the meantime, please continue to support our Tunnel Vision Appeal. 

We have already raised over £560,000 - we need to "See It Through" during 2020.