19.03.13
Pont Briwet bridge replacement contract awarded
A partnership between Network Rail and Gwynnd council is to replace Pont Briwet bridge near Porthmadog in North Wales.
The contract has been awarded to HOCHTIEF (UK) Construction, and work is due to begin in February 2015.
Funding for the project comes from Network Rail, over £9m from the European Regional Development Fund and £5m via Mid Wales Regional Transport Consortium, TraCC.
The bridge currently carries the single track Cambrian Coast railway from Dovey Junction to Pwllheli and a single track toll road. Heavier vehicles cannot travel over the bridge.
It will be extended from 8.5 metres wide to 18 metres, and will provide a two-lane public highway and cycle route. The toll will be removed and the line speed will be increased from 30km per hour to 65kph.
The bridge will be completely replaced in phases and a temporary bridge will be used for vehicle crossings.
Mark Langman, Network Rail’s Wales route managing director, said: “This scheme joins a number of other rail improvement projects in North Wales that will help deliver better journeys and boost economic growth in the area.
“The work at Pont Briwet bridge will make it easier to get to travel between Harlech, Penryndeudraeth and Porthmadog and we would like to thank people for their patience whilst this important work is carried out.”
Cllr Barry Thomas, chair of the Mid Wales Transport Consortium Board, said: “Discussions relating to Pont Briwet Bridge have been ongoing for some time and I am delighted that it can now finally proceed.
“This will be a major boost for the area, and will undoubtedly have positive impacts for rail and bus passengers with shorter journey times as well as drivers of larger or heavier vehicles who will be able to take advantage of a far more direct route across the river. TraCC is delighted to be a part of this major project.”
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