The Welsh Government is finalising a “revised construction programme” for the new Dyfi Bridge, after construction was delayed due to Covid.

In January, plans to build a new £46 million bridge across the river Dyfi in Machynlleth were given the go-ahead by the Welsh Government. But while construction work was due to begin this summer, with completion by summer 2022, this was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Welsh Government has now confirmed it is working on a revised construction timeline.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Good progress is being made on the detailed design of the scheme. Construction was due to start in the summer following completion of the statutory process, but due to the Covid-19 regulations in place, additional time has been required to plan the work.

“We are working closely with Alun Griffiths Contractors to agree and finalise a revised construction programme.”

The government hopes 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.

The current Dyfi Bridge is a 19th century stone narrow bridge with poor visibility and no footways.

The bridge frequently floods, severing communities on either side of the bridge, with these incidents likely to increase because of climate change. The 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 development will be a viaduct across the floodplain and a river bridge across the Dyfi river approximately 480 metres upstream of the existing bridge.

The project will support the Welsh Government’s work on the Mid Wales Growth Deal which is currently being developed.

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.

The removal of large-scale traffic from the 19th century bridge and provision of a walking and cycle path will improve active travel opportunities increasing the attraction of Machynlleth and surrounding area as a tourist destination.