A £20 million investment to improve a vital transport link connecting north and south Gwynedd and the wider region has been announced by the Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones.
Backed with Welsh Assembly Government funding, including £9 million from the European Regional Development Fund and £4 million from the Mid Wales Regional Transport Plan, the 150 year old Pont Briwet Bridge will undergo a transformation into a modern, safer and sustainable structure.
The grade II listed bridge, which spans the River Dwyryd between Penrhyndeudraeth and Llandecwyn in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, supports over a million vehicles a year.
The investment will enable Gwynedd Council in partnership with Network Rail, who are also funding the works, to upgrade the road and improve facilities for those travelling by car or rail as well as cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, the road link will allow HGV and emergency vehicles to access rural Ardudwy, benefiting the local economy by reducing costs, distances and journey times.
Announcing the funds, Ieuan Wyn Jones said,
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to building the right infrastructure to support people, communities and business. It will encourage greater use of public transport, better access to employment opportunities and lead to long-term economic regeneration.
“’Economic Renewal: A new direction’ outlines our pledge to ensure businesses and communities are well-connected within and beyond Wales, and have access to the right facilities and services where they live and work.”
Leader of Gwynedd Council, Councillor Dyfed Edwards said,
“This is excellent news for the Meirionnydd area. Dating back to 1860, the current Pont Briwet bridge was not built to deal with the volume of traffic or the size of vehicles we are accustomed to today.
“Delivering a new and improved bridge secures the future of the Cambrian Coast Railway, as well as being a huge benefit for local people and tourists to the area as it will provide a vital link to services, jobs and attractions. The Pont Briwet project is an integral part of the Meirionnydd Employment Scheme which will also be launched today.”
The funding announcement coincides with a series of public exhibitions to provide more information to local communities on the proposed works which are expected to start autumn 2011.
