Work has started on the long-term project to repair the Pont Bodfel bridge on the A497 between Efailnewydd and Boduan.

The bridge, which is Grade II listed, has been closed since January following significant damage.

Since then, Gwynedd Council has installed a temporary single-lane Bailey bridge which will remain in place until a final decision has been made on the long-term option.

As Pont Bodfel, which stands over the Rhyd-hir river, is a listed structure and is located in a site of natural importance, Gwynedd Council has been discussing the work with Cadw and Natural Resources Wales.

Work has begun on clearing wild vegetation at the bottom of the bridge and around the pillars. This will enable the council to work on the river-bed to build a new foundation before starting the repair of the pillars and strengthening the structure – work that needs to be done to protect the old bridge.

Due to the location of the bridge, there is a limit to the amount of work that can be carried out over the coming weeks.

Because of this, any work that involves staff entering the river will need to be completed by mid October due to the spawning season.

Work is expected to continue until the end of November once the work involving staff in the river has been carried out.

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