Scene of ‘devastation’ as iconic North Wales bridge damaged again …
Residents are demanding better protection for an historic stone bridge after its latest traffic strike. Witnesses reported seeing a coach collide with the parapet at Y Pont Fawr in Llanrwst[1], Conwy[2], this morning (Monday, June 5).
Built in 1636, the bridge provides the main route over the Afon Conwy river between Trefriw[3], Dolgarrog and Llanrwst in the Conwy Valley[4]. The parapet section destroyed today was repaired only last September following another traffic collision.
Over the years, Y Pont Fawr and the adjacent Tu Hwnt I’r Bont tea rooms have provided an iconic backdrop for countless tourism photos and brochures. Yet the bridge is almost as notorious for the number of times it has been damaged by vehicles.
In one 10-day period in October 2013, the bridge was struck three times. Extensive damage was caused in 2016 when a tractor and trailer smashed into the 17th century structure[6] on the B5106.
This morning’s incident left a gaping hole in the iconic 400-year-old and sent stones plummeting into the riverbed below. Passers-by described a scene of “devastation”, others shook their heads with a sense of deja vu.
Y Pont Fawr suffered extensive damage following this morning’s traffic strike (Image: Dean Roberts and Nicole Lasschuit)
A passing taxi driver saw it happen. “I ve never seen anything like it,” she said on social media. Others demanded action. “Getting ridiculous now,” said a local man. “Needs sorting.”
A woman suggested it was time a traffic light system was introduced. She wrote: “Bloody hell, again! Needs something doing on that bridge otherwise it’s just going to keep happening.”
Y Pont Fawr was built for Sir Richard Wynn of nearby Gwydir Castle, and is said to have been designed by Inigo Jones. Originally constructed for horse and carts, is has become the scene of regular stand-offs between motorists travelling in opposite directions.
One resident recalled watching a fairground articulated lorry and two trailers trying to cross from the Llanrwst[7] side a few years ago. “Took him 30-plus minutes to manoeuvre and get over,” he said. “Probably (weighed) 35 tonnes. I sat there waiting for the bridge to collapse.”
Should large vehicles be banned from using the bridge? Have you say in the comments below.[8]
Alternative crossings are a single-track bridge five miles south in Betws-y-Coed, and the B5279 in north in Tal-y-Cafn. Given the diversions involved, drivers are often tempted to cross Y Pont Fawr despite its unsuitability for large modern vehicles.
The latest incident has inforced calls for a bypass around Llanrwst. This is one of three ideas put forward by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders following recent lorry jams in the town – you can read what the others are here[9].
“We will lose the bridge and its history if something is not done,” said one resident after today’s crash. Another suggestion is a width restriction and metal guards around the stonework to safeguard the bridge stonework.
Or to remove traffic altogether. “The bridge should be for pedestrians only,” said a local person. “It wasn’t built for the volume of traffic that goes over it today.”
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References
- ^ Llanrwst (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Conwy (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Trefriw (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Conwy Valley (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Body found at Bangor beauty spot, police confirm (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ tractor and trailer smashed into the 17th century structure (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Llanrwst (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Should large vehicles be banned from using the bridge? Have you say in the comments below. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ you can read what the others are here (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter (www.dailypost.co.uk)