A four-year saga to replace a storm-damaged bridge is hinging on the outcome of ground surveys. Preliminary images for the planned structure show a utilitarian design far removed from the 18th century humpback bridge it is replacing.
Llanerch Bridge collapsed into the River Clwyd during Storm Christoph in January, 2021. Four years later, residents still face a seven-mile diversion away from a road that links Trefnant and Tremeirchion. Despite the inconvenience, a solution has been frustratingly slow. Instead of repairing the old stone bridge, a replacement is planned and last year Denbighshire Council was awarded £750,000 by the Welsh Government to start design work.
The local authority’s design team looked at several possibilities. In the end it was narrowed down to a design that looks very different to the structure it’s replacing. As well as being flatter, it is flanked by large embankments that, on the Tremeirchion side, will incorporate culverts. These will reduce pressure on the new bridge, and scour under it, during flooding of the adjacent flood plain.
The bridge’s design may lack the traditional appeal of its predecessor but it had to meet flood relief requirements stipulated by Natural Resources Wales. It also had to comply with modern design standards to “ensure the bridge will be safe in the years to come”.
In a newsletter to local residents, the council’s design team said: “It was always recognised that this would be a complicated project but the reality has shown that this may have been an understatement. It has taken a lot of work to get the project to this point. These artist impressions are intended to show the design of the bridge only. The final outcome would include more vegetation and should blend in with the local landscape.” Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
An artist’s impression of the replacement Llanerch Bridge over the River Clwyd
(Image: Denbighshire Council)
As the planned bridge crosses the river’s flood plain, new embankments and culverts had to be incorporated into the design
(Image: Denbighshire Council)
Many hurdles still need navigating before the bridge can be built. One of the biggest, besides funding, is a freshwater aquifer above which the old Llanerch bridge was constructed. The design team said: “Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has a freshwater abstraction site directly next to where the old Llanerch Bridge was sited. Clearly this is a concern for them and us, as the water is used to serve thousands of households across North Wales.”
This natural feature sits 12-36 metres below ground level and extends almost as far upstream as Ruthin. To examine the potential impact, consent was needed from Dŵr Cymru for groundwork investigations. After months of talks, these began last summer and included core sampling and ground-penetrating radar surveys.
Denbighshire Council was approached for the results of these investigations, which could potentially throw a spanner in the works. The local authority issued a short statement. “Denbighshire County Council is still working through the particulars of this project with partner organisations,” said a spokesperson. “A formal statement on next steps will be issued soon.”
How the old bridge looked before it was destroyed by Storm Christoph four years ago
(Image: Trefor Owen Jones)
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water said investigations and analysis remained ongoing. A spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of this project to the local and wider community. However, further work is needed to fully understand the potential impact on our operations. This work is continuing with Denbighshire County Council.”
Providing the groundwork surveys do not cause “unforeseen issues”, the council is aiming to seek consent to build the new bridge. Assuming this is forthcoming, only then will it be in a position to start applying for funding. Twelve months ago, it was claimed the cost of the structure could exceed £9m.
The design team said: “Given the current financial climate, this is by no means a certainty. But we will be working closely with all concerned to put forward a robust business case.”
With no funding yet in place, no timescales have been put on the new bridge. Local councillors said the issue had become a “pressing concern” for local residents and businesses amid worries over “economic vitality” and access to essential services. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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