Urgent progress must be made on construction of the new £30m Dyfi Bridge following recent flooding, according to Montgomeryshire AM Russell George.

Speaking in the National Assembly this week, Mr George requested an update on the timetable for construction of the new bridge.

The proposal for a new bridge would see a new pumped drainage system installed at the Cambrian line railway bridge to address flooding in the area.

However, until a decision on whether a public local inquiry is required, the Welsh Government is unable to confirm a specific date for the start of the works.

After questioning the Cabinet Secretary for Transport in the Senedd on Wednesday, 24 October, Mr George said: “The need for a new Dyfi Bridge is undeniable following further recent flooding which has caused traffic disruption and inconvenience for local residents.

“I wrote to the Cabinet Secretary earlier in the summer asking how the Welsh Government was seeking to appease objectors to the new bridge.

“My understanding is that, if the concerns of objectors can be successfully addressed, there will be no need for a public inquiry and construction can begin in earnest.

“I was pleased that the Cabinet Secretary recognised the importance of this project for the local area and confirmed that the Welsh Government is continuing to work with landowners to resolve the remaining statutory objections and are finalising land agreements with Network Rail.”