Where is the Galton Tunnel?

The Galton Tunnel is on the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, and under Telford Way in Smethwick, B66 1QQ

In brief

It is a modern arched concrete tunnel placed over the canal, with a modern road built overhead, that's now the Telford Way, the A4252. The tunnel is 122 yards long (or 20.1 metres long), between the southeastern entrance to the northwestern entrance. It was built in the 1970s, when the Galton Bridge was closed to road traffic after almost 150 years.

North West portal of the Galton Tunnel (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

Galton Tunnel - details

Near the north western portal of the tunnel is a towpath, to road level, which leads up to Roebuck Lane and the Galton Bridge.

North West portal of the Galton Tunnel (February 2023). Photography by Jonathan Bostock

If you continue beyond the southern portal, you will end up at Brasshouse Lane and near the Galton Valley Pumping Station.

South West portal of the Galton Tunnel (February 2023). Photography by Jonathan Bostock

During the summer, the trees are overgrown, but you get a nice view of the north west portal of the tunnel from the Galton Bridge above.

North West portal of the Galton Tunnel (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

If you stand near the north portal and turn around you will see the Galton Bridge, and behind that, Smethwick Galton Bridge Station (high level).

North West portal of the Galton Tunnel (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

The tunnel is made of arched concrete panels, unlike the old Georgian or Victorian tunnels that were made of brick.

North West portal of the Galton Tunnel (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

The towpath from the canal goes slightly above the tunnel as you walk up or down from Roebuck Lane.

North West portal of the Galton Tunnel (June 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown