THE planned opening date of Dyfi Bridge will not be affected by shortages and increasing costs of materials.

Gwynedd County Council is reviewing capital projects, with the possibility of delays, due to the soaring costs of materials and labour shortages in the wake of the pandemic, Brexit, and the current energy crisis.

The Welsh Government has confirmed however that, at present, there are “no changes to the planned opening date” of Dyfi Bridge, in July 2023.

The £46 million development will see a viaduct built across the floodplain and a river bridge across the Afon Dyfi approximately 480 metres upstream of the existing bridge.

The current 19th century stone bridge, is narrow and offers poor visibility and no footways, and 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 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.

They hope the removal of large scale traffic and the provision of a walking and cycle path will also improve active travel opportunities, increasing the attraction of Machynlleth and the surrounding areas as a tourist destination.

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