The tunnel shown in the next few images was created when the canal was re-opened in 2001 in order to allow the canal to pass below the Sellers Engineering site. Sellers have now moved to a new location and their former site is being transformed into the Huddersfield Waterfront Quarter. The tunnel was opened out at the end of 2011 and the canal has been brought back up to the surface. Boats now pass straight through Lock 3e, which is seen in the photo below. This lock, built just 11 years ago, has been replaced by another at the far end of the site and must be one of the shortest-lived locks on the canal system!
Approaching Huddersfield, looking east towards Lock 3e.
Below the tail gates of Lock 3e is the entrance to the tunnel below Sellers' Engineering. Steps from the lockside lead down to a landing platform enabling boaters to get on or off their boats below the lock.
Entering Sellers' Tunnel, Huddersfield, from the west.
Sellers' Tunnel, Huddersfield, is around 400 metres long with curves making it impossible to see right through. This picture was taken part way through, showing a glimmer of light appearing at the eastern end.
At the eastern end of the tunnel, the channel narrows down to pass through the tail of the original Lock 3e and the tunnel arch of Chapel Hill bridge. The new Lock 2e can be seen in the distance beyond. The new (2012) Lock 3e has been constructed in the location where this photo was taken.
At the eastern end of Sellers' Tunnel, there was a brief glimpse of daylight as the canal passed through part of the chamber of the original Lock 3e before continuing under Chapel Hill Bridge. A landing stage has been constructed in the area on the far right of the photo, with steps leading up to ground level for boaters operating the new lock.
A boat emerges from the eastern end of Sellers' Tunnel, heading under Chapel Hill Bridge.
