A road near Brithdir was closed after a Range Rover caused “extensive” damage to a bridge.

Police were called on Saturday evening following an incident in which a vehicle struck a bridge on the B4416 between Bont Newydd and Cross Foxes.

Officers attended the scene and closed the road, which is used by many as a shortcut between the A470 and A494.

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “We received a call at 5.41pm on Saturday, 23 November, reporting a one-vehicle RTC where a Range Rover had struck a bridge on the B4416 whilst travelling over it.

“Officers attended and the road was closed. Due to the extensive amount of damage to the bridge, it is anticipated that it will remain closed for the foreseeable future.”

But despite the police’s concerns, the council has been able to reopen the road to smaller vehicles.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Part of the bridge wall on the B4416 at Caerynwch, near Brithdir, collapsed over the weekend. Initial assessments showed that no damage has been caused to the structure of the bridge itself.”

They added: “As this road is often used as a shortcut between the A494 and the A470, the council is urging motorists to take extra care when driving along this section of road.”

“In the longer term, the council’s Highways Department will be looking to have the bridge repaired. As the river borders a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, and is a main waterway, all environmental and flooding considerations will have to be taken into account throughout the process. We will be working closely with Natural Resources Wales before and during the repair work.

“As a council, we appreciate the inconvenience caused to local people and we thank them in advance for their co-operation.”