Plans submitted to replace famous Eryri 'wobbly bridge' in Betws-y-Coed
A famous “wobbly” suspension bridge in Eryri (Snowdonia) has moved a step closer to being replaced as plans are submitted. Sappers Bridge - built over the Afon Conwy in Betws-y-Coed - dates back to the 1930s, when the current bridge replaced an earlier wooden structure built by royal combat engineers (Sappers) in 1917.
It was a great short cut for locals and visitors and also lured tourists who loved to walk across the structure. But Sapper’s Bridge closed in December 2021 due to safety concerns.
Local residents and businesses have since complained of detrimental impacts. In particular, hotels by the A470 have said they are losing bookings.
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Conwy council put forward three crossing options for consultation last year. They ranged from a new 'functional' bridge close to the existing site to a complete replacement.
Now the local authority has submitted an application to planners at Eryri National Park Authority. The proposed scheme is to replace the existing footbridge spanning the river with a new wider £3m bridge of a similar design.
The planning statement from agent The Environment Partnership said: "The footbridge will be widened from 1.2m to 4m, which shall improve accessibility for a greater range of users, such as for people with wheelchairs, pushchairs andbicycles. The proposed replacement bridge will be of a similar design and construction to the existing suspension bridge, comprising ornate metalwork towers to the east and west of the River Conwy with metal cables suspending the footbridge deck.
"The bridge will be enclosed by metal fencing and affixed to new stone foundations beneath the towers. New foundations will extend to the east of the river to elevate the footpath and achieve Disability Discrimination Act compliant gradients which will improve both accessibility to the bridge and usability of the footpath. The footbridge surface will comprise a timber deck to match the existing bridge."
It added: "This shall be an improvement on the current bridge, which is in a dilapidated condition covered in rust and has an unattractive wire mesh the full length of the bridge on each side. Therefore, the new bridge shall be of a similar design whilst also be in a greatly improved condition compared to the current bridge."
On the surrounding access, the statement added: "There will also be redesigned access to the bridge from Old Church Road to the west. To the east of the river, the proposals comprise improvements of the Public Right of Way that includes new surfacing, new field gates, a concrete culvert 'sheep creep', regraded earth works and low retaining walls to assimilate the footpath within the existing landform.
"The enhanced footpath route will run north of the access road to Muriau Farm and connect to the A470 via a new ramp. Secondary access to the footpath will be gained in this location via 1.2m wide stepped access."
Conwy Council is working with the Welsh Government on planning an onward 'active travel' route from here to Llanrwst.
The planning statement concludes: "In the absence of any adverse impacts that outweigh the benefits of the scheme, and that the proposed development is not in conflict with the development plan, planning approval should be given."
It will now be considered by planners at Eryri National Park Authority.