Historic bridge reopens to the public following near-£2m investment
An historic bridge that spans the picturesque River Conwy has reopened following extensive refurbishment work.
The bridge, which connects the village of Dolgarrog, Conwy to the local train station, has opened following a £1.9m investment.
The Dolgarrog Pipe Bridge is as an important link for the Conwy Valley, carrying two water pipes that supply drinking water to over 43,000 local homes and businesses.
It also serves as a walkway for residents, connecting the village to nearby communities.
The temporary closure of the bridge in January 2021 was prompted by concerns about the bridge’s condition.
Welsh Water, which owns the bridges, said at the time that it was committed to restoring the structure’s safety.
Work to strengthen, repair, and improve the bridge started in May 2022 and was completed earlier this month.
The project was timed to coincide with low water levels in the river, with scaffolding hung to strengthen an area underneath the bridge.
It was made possible through an investment of £1.2m from Welsh Water, along with a £735,000 grant provided to Conwy County Borough Council by the Welsh Government.
Further work will see the bridge form part of an active travel route for walkers and cyclists in the future.
Arwel Jones, Welsh Water’s head of engineering, said: “Following the closure of the bridge in 2021, we have worked closely with our partners to develop a bridge that can serve as a shared space for both cyclists and pedestrians while preserving and maintaining our critical infrastructure.
“I am thrilled that our design accomplishes both objectives, enabling us to reopen the bridge to the public.”
Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Conwy’s cabinet member for environment, roads and facilities, said: “We are happy to be working with Welsh Water on improving this walking and cycling route, which provides an important integrated transport link to the local community and wider area.
“The bridge improvements will mean people can choose to travel sustainably and not have to rely on motor vehicles.”
To mark the official reopening, an event was held at the bridge on Friday, May 26th with the ribbon being cut by local Senedd Member, Janet Finch-Saunders.
Ms Finch-Saunders said: “Following being closed for just over two years, it is great to see this vital link between Dolgarrog and the Conwy Valley and beyond, back open to the public.
“Following collaboration work between Welsh Water, Conwy County Borough Council, Transport for Wales and others, I am pleased that we now have a bridge that can be enjoyed by the local residents as well as tourist visiting the area.”
Also present at the event were pupils from the local school, Ysgol Dyffryn yr Enfys, who have created a 19 foot dragon made out of pipes donated by Welsh Water.
According to local legend, Dolgarrog was named after Garrog, a mythical flying dragon that roamed the area.
Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email news@north.wales
