Work starts on 'wobbly bridge' replacement

WORK has begun on a replacement for Eryri's iconic “wobbly” suspension bridge in Betws y Coed.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

Sappers Bridge, also known as Pont y Soldiwr, was renowned for bouncing as people walked across.

A new crossing was ordered when the old footbridge fell into disrepair.

Following public consultations, the chosen design was a suspension bridge with two ornate towers in the style of the old bridge.

Initial preparation work will see sewers, power cables and water pipes diverted on Old Church Road in Betws y Coed.

Work to remove the old bridge will then start in May.

Construction of the new bridge won't start for another 12 months, with a projected completion date of June 2026.

Both the bridge and its connecting path are due to be ready for public use in September 2026.

At 50 metres long, the new bridge will be slightly longer than the old 47.5-metre bridge, and significantly wider.

The new design has been widened from 1.2 metres to four metres to improve accessibility for cyclists, wheelchair users, prams and mobility scooters, as well as pedestrians.

The work will also improve paths either side of the bridge to Old Church Road and the A470.