Work is progressing well on a Gwynedd Council project to install a new footbridge over Afon Wnion at the West end of Marian Mawr in Dolgellau.
The new £450,000 bridge, which replaces the popular old “Pont Droed Dr Williams”, will improve the use and the quality of the Mawddach trail for local residents and visitors on their daily journeys. The link between Dolgellau and the Coleg Meirion Dwyfor site will also be much improved when the work is complete.
The first bridge was installed before 1900, and was later improved in 1969. These original bridges were narrow and had steep ramps with sharp turns. This made use difficult for people with mobility difficulties and created restrictions where two bicycles could not pass each other. The new footbridge is twice the width of the original bridge with the steep ramps removed which allow a straightened crossing over the river and the adjacent field.
Funding from the Welsh Government became available in November 2011 with a challenge to replace the bridge before Easter 2012. The 60 metre bridge was designed by Gwynedd Council who worked closely with the Snowdonia National Park Authority to secure planning permission for the replacement and permission to use their land on the northern side to undertake the works.
Jonathan Chapman from Gwynedd Council’s Consultancy Department managed the project:
“We worked closely with the Snowdonia National Park Authority on this important local project, and thanks must also go the Marian Trustees who approved proposals to work on their land and we also appreciate the efforts of the contractor for the works, Dawnus who have worked hard to ensure the bridge is open by Easter including the use of a 250 tonne crane to lift the bridge in place.
“Indeed, the working relations between all parties involved have been very positive from the outset with a desire from all to get the job done. We are pleased that the work is now nearing completion, with the aim to have the much-loved footbridge open to the public for the Easter holidays.”
The bridge is close to the hearts of Dolgellau people. Many residents have fond memories of the bridge, and over the years the bridge has been given different names, but all relate to the adjacent Doctor Williams School for Girls. The official title is ‘Pont Droed Dr Williams’, but it is also known as ‘Ladies’ Bridge’, ‘Green Bridge’, ‘Pont Brenhines’ and ‘DWS Bridge’.
Memories are often recounted by the men of the town who recall waiting on the bridge for the school to finish when the girls returned across the bridge. Several of the school’s former pupils remember occasions when the river flooded covering the bridge and having to go the long way round to school. Another fond memory is the last day of school year when the bridge was lined with girls throwing their green school berets high into the air before watching them float away downstream.
It is expected that the new Pont Droed Dr Williams bridge will be open to the public for Good Friday.
