Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has confirmed that it is working with Conwy County Borough Council to develop plans to reopen Dolgarrog pipe bridge. The pipe bridge has been closed to walkers and local users due to significant safety concerns. These included the deteriorating condition of the timber deck boards and the need to install additional measures to safeguard the water mains which supply water to over 9,000 homes in North Wales. 

This pipe bridge – which is not a public right of way – will now need significant investment to make it usable and safe for local users. Welsh Water is working with the Conwy County Borough Council to explore funding that will help reopen the pipe bridge. Until these plans are finalised, it is not possible to confirm when the pipe bridge will reopen. 

Welsh Water has installed fencing to close the bridge to local users until the improvement work is done. It is important that no-one tries to use the pipe bridge until it is reopened safely.

Ian Christie, Managing Director for Water Services at Welsh Water said: 

"We decided to close Dolgarrog pipe bridge due to concerns about the current condition of the bridge.  We commissioned two independent reports which both highlighted substantive safety concerns. This included the need to replace a number of the timber deck boards and also implementing additional measures to protect the high-pressure water mains.

“Although the pipe bridge is not a designated right of way, we are aware that it is very popular with walkers and local residents wishing to access the railway station on foot.

“As we now understand the safety improvements that need to be done, we are currently working with elected representatives to confirm the work that is needed so that we can reopen the pipe bridge to local users.

“This work will involve a significant cost and we are working with Conwy County Borough Council and other stakeholders to confirm the timeline for reopening the pipe bridge. However, we are committed to reopening the bridge and supporting the local community.”

Cllr. Greg Robbins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transportation at Conwy County Boroough Counci said: 

“We welcome the commitment from Dwr Cymru to work with ourselves to reopen the bridge which is a vital link for the community and for access to the Railway Station. This gives the potential for an improvement of this route and we look forward to bringing this to fruition as soon as practicable.”

 Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy said: 

“The decision to permanently close Dolgarrog Bridge has united our community in appreciation of the vital importance of the crossing.

“As I have been pleased to make clear through working with the community, the impact of the move on Dolgarrog Railway Station, leading attractions, Active Travel, fishing, access to the National Park, and use of private vehicles is undeniable.

“Over the last month I have been pleased to work with stakeholders from across Wales, and have today been delighted to pull key parties together in a virtual meeting to find a positive way forwards.

“My thanks goes to all who have participated, and especially to Welsh Water who have listened to our community’s concerns, have committed to reopening, and will be investing in the bridge.

“This is not the end of the story, and I was delighted that we agreed to work together going forwards to make the crossing and routes either side better and more attractive to use than they have ever been. 

“The outcome we have secured just goes to show the power of democracy and that Welsh Water do listen.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

• Any further queries should be directed to Welsh Water’s Press Office on:
  • 01443 452 452
  • press@dwrcymru.com