A KEY route linking north and south Wales will be closed on Friday morning.

The Dyfi Bridge on the outskirts of Machynlleth will be closed for at least three hours on 9 November as vital work is undertaken to remove a tree with has lodged itself below the grade II structure’s ancient arches.

Diversions will be set in place a large crane will be required to remove the blockage.

A Welsh Government spokesperson confirmed the temporary closure: “Essential work to remove a large tree from the river that is caught upstream on Dyfi Bridge, will be undertaken on Friday 9 November 2018 between 9am and midday.

“The work will be carried out under a full closure of the A487 at Dyfi Bridge.

“Traffic will be diverted along the route regularly used when the A487 is closed at Dyfi Bridge due to flooding.

“North on the A487 to Cross Foxes at the A470 junction – South on the A470 to Cemmaes Road roundabout and the A489 junction – West on the A489 to the A487 Clock Tower junction in Machynlleth – North on the A487 to Dyfi Bridge and vice versa.

“The road will reopen once the tree is safely removed and the crane is clear of the bridge.

“Should river levels rise beyond safe limits the work will be postponed.”