Work Starts To Re-Build Grade II Listed Bridge In Llanfair Clydogau

Workmen have started work on Llanfair Clydogau bridge in Ceredigion after part of one of the relief arches collapsed in March due to the adverse weather. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

​Workers from Ceredigion County Council are now working on the multi-span Grade II listed masonry bridge, with advice being provided by the Welsh Government’s historic environment service (Cadw). The Council hopes to restore the listed bridge as quickly as possible and reinstate it back to full working order for village residents. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Adverse weather over the winter months saw a partial collapse of the bridge, making it impossible for cars to travel over it due to health and safety risks. Since it collapsed it has only been open for pedestrian access. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Huw Morgan, Strategic Director for Sustainable Communities at Ceredigion County Council, said: “We have tried to move as fast as we can and structural engineers have been quick to survey the bridge. We will use traditional mortar ratios, and source any imported stone that may be required quickly. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

He adds: “Restoring and conserving such unique and historical landmarks like this bridge is very important to the heritage of Wales and this area, the bridge is over 300 years old and is Grade II listed. Restoration work is never as straightforward as it seems, and there is a lot of detail which needs to be taken into account. We appreciate this is a frustrating time for residents of the village, but we are doing our best to work as fast as we can to try and complete this work with as little upheaval as possible.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works and the Council hopes to complete the restoration work and open the bridge to vehicles in early June 2016. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​