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The present Pont Briwet toll bridge across the Afon Dwyryd near Penrhyndeudraeth is being replaced by a new rail and two carriage way road bridge with cycle and pedestrian paths - and no toll.

It will take about 2 years to construct during which time there will be some major diversions - see the official notice, issued in May 2013 below, for details.

Pont Briwet before reconstruction

Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/welsh_snapper/5442856800/

ADVISORY NOTICE FOR ALL CYCLIST TRAVELLING FROM PENRHYNDEUDRAETH TO HARLECH (NCN 8) in either direction

· A Google map showing the diversion and key points for cyclists can be found at http://goo.gl/maps/i5J57

will show general information about the state of the work and diversions that apply.

· As far as signage goes, please look out for the Council road signs and the Sustrans yellow stickers on posts and follow these.

Work has now started on replacing the old toll Bridge across the Afon Dwyryd near Penrhyndeudraeth. The new road bridge will be a two-way carriageway, and include a cycle path and footpath. The will be a new separate railway bridge. The new bridges will require minor modifications to the approaches. The end result will be a toll-free more reliable and robust transport link for all users. One of the key design elements, besides allowing increased traffic for all was to make the bridge less prone to flooding.

The construction works is expected to take 2 years, completing in 2015. The nature of the works means from time to time the bridge will be completely closed to all traffic, including pedestrians. Gwynedd have appointed a project manager who is seeking to minimise the need for this as they recognise the inconvenience to any user of the bridge.

The first phase involves a complete closure and is now in force. This is for works being undertaken by Scottish Power’s contractors on the railway bridge. The closure will mean a diversion of some 8 miles along the A487 and A496. (An alternative route can be used from Penrhyndeudraeth to Maentwrog along the NCN 82 but be aware this does involve some climbing and is about 2 miles longer)

The temporary bridge is expected to be re-opened in mid June until the late Autumn when it will again close for an unspecified period. The council is in negotiations with the contractors over the schedule of works and cannot at this time give any indication as to the length of the closure expected at that time. All they are able to say at the moment is that they are in discussions with the contractors looking at their schedule and work processes in an attempt to minimise the need for closure. Further information I will be circulated from time to time.

Over the 2 years there would be other times when the heavy plant and machinery will be on the site and will mean the bridge gets closed. Cyclists wishing to travel across this route should check prior to travelling. However, as in any major construction works, contractors will make operational decisions on a day to day basis and the bridge may have unexpectedly been closed. So please be prepared for a diversion at any time and follow the diversion signs. If the bridge is closed to traffic that will apply to all traffic including cyclists and pedestrians.