A new £1.2m bridge to replace its damaged predecessor looks set to be built ahead of the expected influx during 2023’s National Eisteddfod.
It shut in January 2019 after being declared unsafe when one of the arch pillars collapsed in the river after being struck by a vehicle. This initially resulted in motorists facing an eight mile detour. A temporary Bailey road bridge means vehicles are able to cross the river, but confined to single file traffic.
A planning application for a new, wider bridge will be presented to Gwynedd Council’s planning committee next week, is being recommended for approval.
Options to widen the historic existing bridge were explored, but found to be “logistically challenging”. Gwynedd Council is proposing a new structure is built slightly down river while also keeping the repaired original.
Last year Steffan Jones, Gwynedd’s head of highways and municipal, said: “Pont Bodfel suffered significant structural damage caused by scouring damage under the bridge foundations.
“As it is a Grade II three-span masonry bridge dating back to the early 19th Century, repairing it has been a major logistical challenge.
“As Pont Bodfel is a narrow one-lane bridge, we looked into whether it would have been possible to widen the structure as part of the maintenance work.
“However, after discussions with Cadw and conservation officers, it became apparent that this would not be possible.
“We have therefore decided to proceed with plans for a new 17-metre concrete arch bridge with a three-metre rise over Afon Rhyd-hir.”
Constructed to the south of Pont Bodfel, the work involves realigning the A497 and the approach, while also carrying out improvements to the nearby Gefail y Bont junction towards Llannor to merge safely with the new route.
Application documents to state the carriageway will be designed to accommodate 50mph speeds and be 7.3m wide. Plans have been slightly amended to meet the approval of Natural Resources Wales and authority biodiversity officers.
With the area hosting the 2023 National Eisteddfod on land nearby, supporting documents state: “The new development will be an integral travel gateway to and from the Eisteddfod. Successful construction and completion before the Eisteddfod will ensure a convenient road link which could result in more visitors going off site and supporting local businesses during the Eisteddfod.
“It’s proposed that the temporary bridge is removed as part of the initial phase of construction work for the new replacement bridge.
“During construction, traffic will be routed over the old masonry bridge and will require traffic lights due to the narrowness of the carriageway over the bridge.”
A decision is expected on 1 November.