Work to refurbish and reopen Dolgarrog pipe bridge in Conwy Valley, Wales, is underway thanks to a £1.9 million investment.
The bridge spans the River Conwy and carries two water pipes that supply homes and businesses in the Conwy Valley with drinking water, is also used by many local residents as a walkway and a link from Dolgarrog village to the train station.
Originally closed in January 2021 following significant concerns about the condition of the bridge, Welsh Water is committed to working with local stakeholders and partners to carry out improvements and safety work to the structure so the bridge can once again reopen to the public.
The not-for-profit water company has worked closely with Conwy County Borough Council to progress designs for reopening the bridge and revealed drawings of the planned upgrades to local residents at a drop in information event in Dolgarrog recently.
Alongside the £1.2 million investment by Welsh Water to strengthen and improve the bridge, a £735,000 Welsh Government grant for Conwy County Borough Council has been secured to create an active travel route across the historical bridge.
Ian Christie, Welsh Water Managing Director said; “Following assessments of the bridge last year, the dangerous condition of the bridge meant that we had to close it temporarily while we reviewed the structure. Over the past year we have been working closely with our partners to design a bridge which can be used as a shared space for cyclists and pedestrians as well as help us protect and maintain our infrastructure. It is great that we have come up with a design which combines both and means that we can once again open the bridge to the public.
Welsh Water has been working closely with Janet Finch-Saunders MS, Conwy County Borough Council, along with Network Rail and Transport for Wales, to coordinate plans to ensure this major investment bring widespread benefits to the area.
Ian Christie added: “This significant investment in the bridge reflects our commitment to reinvest profits directly for the benefit of our customers and local communities. I’m pleased that we have been able to work closely with local partners to ensure these improvements bring widespread benefits and opportunities to the local area.”
A spokesperson for Conwy County Borough Council 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.”
The work on the bridge by Welsh Water started in May and will be completed before Christmas. Improvements to the track leading to and from the bridge will be completed by Conwy County Borough Council.
