KEY ROUTE TO SHUT FOR 5 WEEKS FOR BYPASS WORK:

A key route in Gwynedd is to shut for up to five months while construction on a new bypass is carried out.

Work on the long-awaited Caernarfon bypass requires the A4085 between Caernarfon and Caeathro to be closed for the construction of a new bridge.

The road will be blocked off from next Monday, with diversions put in place.

Residents and businesses have been handed written warnings of the closure and while most accept the work as necessary, others have voiced concern at the length of time the construction will take, and about the route of the diversions.

One resident said: “I realise the work has to be done and it is for the general good and we are not alone in being affected, but this work to build a bridge is going to affect Caeathro more than anywhere else.

“Getting to and from Caernarfon means going to Bontnewydd and facing the heavy traffic there, or travelling to Bangor to do the shopping.”

The first part of the work involved the diversion of water services by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water followed by the construction of a new bridge which will take the new Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass over the A4085.

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “These works involve major earthworks and heavy lifting which makes a full closure necessary for the safety of the travelling public and contractors.

“Diversion routes have been agreed with Gwynedd Council, while businesses and residents directly affected have been notified of the closure and the diversion routes.

“The Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass is a significant Welsh Government scheme in North West Wales which, when complete, will deliver benefits for local ommunities as well as people travelling in the area.

“We thank the public for their co-operation during the construction of this major project for the area.”