THINK BIG FOR THIRD BRIDGE
Engineer hopes myth will be hit for Strait crossing design:
AMYTHICAL Welsh giant could soon be propping up a new bridge across the Menai Strait if a civil engineer from Bangor has his way.
The Welsh government says it will consider a proposal by Benji Poulton, who came up with the idea after being “underwhelmed” by the existing designs for a new crossing.
Benji’s eye-catching design replaces the central support with a giant statue of Bendigeidfran (Bran the Blessed), who went over to Ireland to wage war against the king, Matholwch.
According to the legend, the Irish soldiers retreated over the River Shan- annon and burnt all the bridges.
Bendigeidfran lay over the river, uttering “A fo ben, bid bont.” (“He who would be a leader, let him be a bridge” – now a popular Welsh proverb.)
Benji said: “My design has generated a lot of interest, if it came to fruition can you imagine how much publicity it would generate for North Wales across the world?
“It would become an iconic bridge, and could only be great for tourism. “I was left feeling totally underwhelmed by the present designs, I think something a lot more pioneering and interesting should be built. “The other two crossings are world famous, but why not add another one that would highlight Welsh culture.” The 37-year-old continued: “There have been some negative comments, I think somebody said it was a little too “Disney”, my picture doesn’t really do it justice what it would look like in real life.” The Welsh Government is committed to building a third crossing of the Menai Strait and earlier this month revealed its preferred route, just to the east of the existing Britannia Bridge. B A government spokesperson said “all options” would be considered. If Benji’s design is chosen, passengers on the London-Holyhead railway line would have a face-to-face encounter with the giant. Poulton’s design won the Welsh regional final of Pitch 200, a competition run by the ICE. He will compete in the final on November 26 against other engineers from around the world.