A North Wales councillor is calling on the Welsh Government to build a bridge between Ynyslas and Aberdyfi to ‘revolutionise and regenerate’ rural Wales.

Tywyn county councillor Mike Stevens wants the Welsh Government to revisit early 19th century plans to build a bridge across the Dyfi Estuary, but they believe there would be significant environmental and physical constraints.

With the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, plans were devised for a railway bridge across the estuary. At the time, the only way to get across was via a ferry, but when the Cambrian Coast railway introduced a railway bridge at Dyfi Junction, the ferry service ended.

Cllr Stevens is now pushing for reconsideration of the abandoned 19th century bridge plans, but for a bridge capable of carrying motor vehicles across the estuary.

Cllr Stevens said: “The opportunities this would bring to future generations is almost incalculable and would help make Wales a country fit for the 21st century.

“At least the Welsh government should look at this and see what such a bridge across the Dyfi would cost. They owe it to future generations.

“If you go to Aberdyfi up to the bandstand and look across to Borth it is a very short stretch of water which could easily be bridged.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “There are no current plans for a bridge over the mouth of the Dyfi estuary and we believe there would be significant environmental and physical constraints, but we fully recognise the need to improve connectivity in rural Wales.

“We have made road improvements in many areas, including the A487, and are in the process of developing more safe overtaking opportunities.

“The new Dyfi bridge scheme will also improve the resilience of the road network during times of flooding, as well as improving safety.

“We have also identified the Western Corridor as a key area for improvement in our vision for a fully devolved Welsh railway.

“This would enhance connectivity from Ynys Môn to Swansea, including Dolgellau and Aberystwyth.”

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