Historic Llanrwst bridge damaged by crashes

Oct 15 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Bridge damage at Llanrwst

LLANRWST’S historic bridge has been left with a gaping hole in its brickwork after being struck not once, but twice by traffic last week.

The damage is just the latest in a string of incidents which have seen the 17th century landmark – built by Inigo Jones in 1636 – battered by 21st century congestion.

And this latest damage came just days after the Grade I bridge, often used by traffic as an alternative to the busy A470, had been repaired following the previous smash.

Conwy County Council had only just completed £7,000 worth of repairs to the bridge after closing it to traffic for a week earlier this month when contractors patched up structural damage cause by a HGV.

Concerned locals fear the landmark, which passes over the Afon Conwy to the B5106, will be reduced to rubble if hit again.

Cllr Edgar Parry said: “I was hoping to congratulate Conwy and all the officers involved in the repair work carried out on Llanrwst bridge, but it has sustained yet further damage, resulting in a massive hole on one side.

“This situation is of great concern to the people of Llanrwst. Financial costs every time the bridge is damaged is also of concern and a solution to rectify this problem is of paramount urgency.”

Cllr Parry suggested preventative measures the county council could take – no access over the bridge to heavy vehicles, weight restrictions, and width restrictions.

He added: “I hope Conwy takes the appropriate action.

“The long-term solution would be to pedestrianise the bridge and build a new bridge over the river. It’s something to seriously consider.”

Mayor Pat Rowley said cameras were needed to capture the damage taking place: “Maybe if a camera is installed at least we would catch the person or firm responsible for the damage.

“Whoever hit the bridge this time must have known what happened.

“How much more of a shaking can the bridge take? Maybe reducing the width of the pavement outside the new apartments nearby would help, or a new bridge – but where would we put it?”

samantha.castle