Replacement bridges installed near Porth Penrhyn on Lon Las Ogwen

Significant work on replacing two bridges on the popular Lôn Las Ogwen path that links the Porth Penrhyn area of Bangor with Dyffryn Ogwen has been completed, with the regular path now open to the public once again.

As part of the Council's commitment to encouraging people to walk and cycle for daily journeys, this work to install replacement bridges is part of efforts to ensure existing paths meet residents' needs, and also improve people’s access to the slate landscape wich has been designated a World Heritage Site since 2021.

The old bridges near Porth Penrhyn had seen better days and required regular maintenance work. The structure also meant that it was very difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to pass each other due to the narrow path on the bridge, but now, the path has been widened and the path is much improved for all users.

The scheme has involved diverting part of the route of the Lôn Las Ogwen path while the replacement bridges were installed, but with this work now complete, the original route has now reopened to the public.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

 "This is a very important route, providing pedestrians and cyclists with a convenient sustainable mode of travel between Bangor and Dyffryn Ogwen, whether for a leisure ride, to get to work, an appointment or to shop.

 "Of course, the route follows the remains of the historic railway that linked the port and the Penrhyn Quarry and this link between Bangor and Bethesda and the wider area slate landscape has an important history, and it's very pleasing to see plans that breathe new life into this part of the route.

 "I'm delighted to see the work now completed on this phase of improvements that will make the walk by foot or bike more comfortable for the residents of this area. In a time of financial challenges, securing funding to deliver schemes of this nature is very welcome, and I’m grateful to everyone who has played a part in delivering this important project.

 "In improving the standard of the route, we hope more people will make the most of the path as we look to cut down on unnecessary vehicle journeys wherever possible.

 "As part of the Llewyrch o’r Llechi scheme, further upgrades and improvements to routes in Dyffryn Ogwen will be delivered over the coming months."

 Councillor Nigel Pickavance, one of the local members on Cyngor Gwynedd, who recently saw the work being completed on the bridges, added:

 "I was delighted to go along and see the work on the new bridges on Lôn Las Ogwen and to see the progress that has been on the scheme.

 "I’m very pleased that both bridges are re-opening to public use, with user space much wider than previously."

 The work on the bridges at Porth Penrhyn has been funded with support from the Levelling Up fund, the Welsh Government’s Active Travel grant and Sustrans. It forms part of a wider scheme to improve links on Lôn Las Ogwen funded from the Levelling Up fund.

 More information about the wider Llewyrch o’r Llechi: Levelling Up fund – a cultural heritage  investment programme funded by the UK Government and administered by Cyngor Gwynedd – is available here: Llewyrch o'r Llechi, Levelling Up Fund (llyw.cymru)