Historic river bridge that links village with its railway station has reopened after two years

Dolgarrog Pipe Bridge over the Afon Conwy closed to the public in January 2021

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An historic river bridge has reopened after more than two years. The Dolgarrog Pipe Bridge over the Afon Conwy - which carries two water pipes that supply drinking water to over 43,000 local homes and businesses - closed to the public in January 2021 due to concerns over its condition.

It saw the village of Dolgarrog cut off from its train station. After fears it would not reopen to pedestrians and cyclists a campaign was started to ensure access was brought back.

It secured funding of £1.2m from Dwr Cymru and a £735,000 Welsh Government grant for Conwy County Borough Council. Work to strengthen, repair, and improve the bridge started in May 2022 and was completed earlier this month. The work had to coincide with low water levels in the river along with hanging scaffolding for strengthening work under the bridge.

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Arwel Jones, Welsh Water's head of engineering, commissioning and handover, said: "Following the closure of the bridge in 2021, we have worked closely with our partners to develop a bridge that can serve as a shared space for both cyclists and pedestrians while preserving and maintaining our critical infrastructure. I am thrilled that our design accomplishes both objectives, enabling us to reopen the bridge to the public.

"This substantial investment in the bridge demonstrates our commitment as a company to reinvest directly for the benefit of our customers and local communities. I am pleased that our collaboration with local partners will bring widespread benefits and opportunities to the local area."

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, cabinet member for environment, roads and facilities – infrastructure said: "We are happy to be working with Welsh Water on improving this walking and cycling route, which provides an important integrated transport link to the local community and wider area. The bridge improvements will mean people can choose to travel sustainably and not have to rely on motor vehicles."

MS Janet Finch-Saunders, who campaigned to get the bridge reopened and performed the ribbon cutting at the opening, said; "Following being closed for just over two years, it is great to see this vital link between Dolgarrog and the Conwy Valley and beyond, back open to the public. Following collaboration work between Welsh Water, Conwy County Borough Council, Transport for Wales and others, I am pleased that we now have a bridge that can be enjoyed by the local residents as well as tourist visiting the area."

Also present at the event were pupils from the local school, Ysgol Dyffryn yr Enfys who, through the donation of water pipes by Welsh Water have created a 19 foot dragon.

According to local legend Dolgarrog was named after Garrog, a mythical flying dragon that roamed the area. The dragon has been created as part of the village's preparation work for Gwŷl Garrog to be held in the village in September.

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Historic river bridge that links village with its railway station has reopened after two years