Work on the new long-awaited Dyfi Bridge at Machynlleth is set to begin in earnest by the end of the month, after the Welsh Government made an order to introduce new speed limits and convoy plan to protect workers at the site.

Initial works at the site have been taking place this year, with substantive building and road re-alignment work now set to start on 30 August.

In January 2020, plans to build the £46m bridge across the river Dyfi in Machynlleth were given the go-ahead by the Welsh Government.

Construction work had been due to start in summer 2020, with a completion date of summer 2022, but this was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In February, the Welsh Government announced work was set to begin in March with an expected end date of spring 2023.

The Cambrian News reported last month that the planned opening date had been delayed again, and has now been set for July 2023, after construction work began in April of this year.

The scheme will improve road safety, strengthen links between communities, provide active travel opportunities and build resilience against flooding, as well as improve transport connectivity to help stimulate further economic development in this part of Wales.

The new development will be a viaduct across the floodplain and a river bridge across the Afon Dyfi approximately 480m upstream of the existing bridge.

The current 19th century bridge is frequently closed due to flooding, an occurrence which is likely to increase with the impact of climate change.

The bridge’s closures can impact on the community’s ability to access key services such as healthcare, education and public transport in Machynlleth and beyond.

The new bridge will provide a safe and reliable route between communities, the Welsh Government said.

The scheme will include traffic calming and improved drainage on the A493 immediately north of the bridge to protect the existing cottages, and there will be a flood bund constructed to protect the Dyfi Eco Park from river flooding.

Last week the Welsh Government said that new temporary speed restrictions and an overtaking ban will be introduced on parts of the A487 near Machynlleth as large scale works get underway on the new bridge.

Restrictions will see a 30mph limit on one stretch of the road, with some parts becoming 20moh, along with a 10mph limit under a convoy system to protect workers constructing the new bridge.

The Welsh Government announcement said the new restrictions will come into force on 30 August for a maximum of 18 months.

Last month the Welsh Government said that contractors “were currently preparing the area for main building works”, with works now moving on to start earthworks for the new bridge deck, build piles and piers to support a new bridge deck, build new bridge crossing the Afon Dyfi, build new road layouts at both ends of the scheme, and change parts of the existing road so that it joins the local authority’s road network.