New bridge plan a year after the old one closed:
REPLACEMENT DUE IN 2021 AND ORIGINAL WILL REOPEN THIS JUNE
FUNDING for a new £1.2m bridge is expected to be approved by councillors a year after its predecessor was shut to traffic following significant damage.
The 19th century Pont Bodfel spans the Afon Rhyd-hir river on the A497 between Efailnewydd and Boduan, historically carrying the main road from Nefyn to Pwllheli.
But it was shut in January 2019 after being declared unsafe due to one of the arch pillars collapsing into the river, mainly due to scouring damage under the foundations, resulting in motorists having to take an eight-mile detour.
Shortly after, a temporary crossing was installed thanks to a single lane ‘Bailey’ road-bridge as well as new road access points and two-way traffic light system.
Following long standing calls from locals, options to widen the historic bridge have been explored by experts. But finding such a move to be “logistically challenging”, Gwynedd Council is now proposing a new and wider structure to be in place by the summer of 2021 if given funding and planning approval.
The new bridge, they say, would complement the existing bridge which is set to re-open in June. Steffan Jones, Head of Gwynedd Council’s Highways and Municipal Department, said: “Pont Bodfel suffered significant structural damage caused by scouring damage under the bridge foundations.
“As it is a Grade Il three-span masonry bridge dating back to the early 19th century, repairing it has been a major logistical challenge.
“Afon Rhyd Hir is a main river and of significant environmental interest. This means work cannot be carried out during fish spawning season and we have planned our work around this important consideration.
“Once the fish spawning ends, we will be able to re-start repair work towards the beginning of April, and hope to see the repaired bridge open to traffic by June.”
He added: “As Pont Bodfel is a narrow one-lane bridge, we looked into whether it would have been possible to widen the structure as part of the maintenance work.
“However, after discussions with Cadw and conservation officers, it became apparent this would not be possible.
“We have therefore decided to proceed with plans for a new 17 metre concrete arch bridge with a 3 metre rise over Afon Rhydhir.
“The Council is considering options in terms of the exact location and expects to submit a planning application in the near future.”
The proposals will be discussed at Gwynedd’s next full council meeting on March 5.