A temporary bridge has opened on the A497 on the Llyn Peninsula after a crash made an historic bridge unsafe.

The old Grade II listed Pont Bodfel bridge between Efailnewydd and Boduan was closed to traffic a month ago because of significant structural damage after it was hit by a vehicle.

A single-lane temporary Bailey bridge has now been opened to traffic with a two-way traffic light system guiding vehicles over the temporary solution.

Work to make the structure of the old Pont Bodfel safe is still being carried out.

Gwynedd Council’s highways and municipal Cabinet member, Cllr Gareth Griffith, said: “I’m sure that the whole local community would agree that this temporary measure is to be welcomed. It has meant a quicker reopening of the A497, reducing the risk of a road traffic accident and allowing the emergency services to attend to calls as quickly as possible in the area.

“When the damage happened on 26 January, structural engineers from the council’s YGC department moved quickly and confirmed that it would not be possible to immediately reopen Pont Bodfel, and council staff have acted to find the best possible temporary solution.

“Installing a temporary bridge and connecting road surface has been a significant challenge, especially as conditions can be difficult in the winter.”

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