Ceredigion County Council website

Pont Rhiwarthen is a bridge across the River Rheidol located on the C1082 road, immediately south of  Penllwyn Capel Bangor (SN 64935 79820).

A new bridge is required due to the poor structural condition of the existing bridge.

Although various repair and maintenance works have been carried out over the years, the bridge has now  deteriorated to the point where major restoration is required to keep it safe and operational.

A 3-tonne weight restriction has been implemented to manage the condition of the bridge and to reduce further deterioration. The condition of the bridge is such that any further repairs are no longer viable, and a replacement bridge is required.

Map

The Scheme options are being developed using WelTAG, the Welsh Government’s guidance for transport  planning and appraisal. WelTAG sets out a structured approach to planning, beginning with establishing the  case for change and moving through logical stages of development, delivery, and post-completion review.

A WelTAG Stage 0 (Case for Change) was completed in 2023, followed by WelTAG stage 1 (Strategic Outline  Case) in 2024. We are now undertaking WelTAG stage 2 (Outline Business Case) to narrow down the options  and develop a preferred option to take forward.

Scheme Objectives:

1. Improve Transport links for all users on both sides of the river.
2. Maintain the existing Rheidol Cycle route for all Non-Motorised Users.
3. Maintain access to key destinations including residential areas, and business / employment sites.
4. Enhance the resilience of the local transport network.
5. Encourage sustainable transport modes to support the carbon-reduction agenda.
6. Minimise impacts on heritage and the environment, striving for biodiversity net gain.

Options Development

Through our understanding of current issues and future challenges, potential options have been identified  which aim to deliver the Scheme objectives. These options have been developed through the WelTAG  process, and once narrowed down, a business case for the chosen option will be prepared.

WelTAG stage 1 assessed a long list of options which has been narrowed down to the following 4 locations. The four locations are considered in WelTAG Stage 2.

Download copies of the proposed plans:

• Single span bridge - Locations 1-4. (pdf)
• 2 pier bridge - Locations 1-4. (pdf)

Or, click on the four locations below to see proposed plans for a single span bridge and a two pier bridge.

Visualisation of Pont Rhiwarthen

Modular Bridge at existing location (Location 1)

Active Travel Proposals

Improving transport links for all users, maintaining the Rheidol cycle route and encouraging sustainable  travel are key objectives of the scheme.

All options bring the new bridge up to current Active Travel standards, providing separate walking and  cycling space. These improvements will create opportunities for Ceredigion Council to expand active-travel  routes in future years. A safer crossing of the River Rheidol will help residents and businesses on both sides  of the river connect more sustainably.

Environmental impacts

Understanding the impact of the Scheme on the environment and community is an important part the  project, to minimise negative effects and identify opportunities to improve the surroundings where possible. 

The area surrounding the bridge is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its  geomorphological and biological features.

Environmental assessments are ongoing and will continue to be developed to gain a greater understanding  of what likely impacts the scheme may have on the River Rheidol and local environment. Mitigation  measures will be considered and introduced as required for any adverse environmental effects.

Construction impacts

Understanding the need to minimise the impact of construction on the local highway network is a key  consideration in the Scheme option appraisal.

All options are likely to have some impact during construction. Options 1 and 2 will require the existing  bridge to be removed before the new bridge can be built. Options 3 and 4 will allow the existing bridge to  remain open, however there will be disruption to connect the new highway alignment into the existing  network.

Construction work is currently estimated to take 6 months to complete, dependant upon location and bridge type.

How to comment

We would like to hear your views on the proposed scheme. Your feedback will help shape the final design.

Here is a link to an online questionnaire: Pont Rhiwarthen - WelTAG Stage 2.

You can download a copy of the questions here: Pont Rhiwarthen Questionnaire.

You can download a copy of the information pack here: Consultation Information pack - Pont Rhiwarthen.

You can also collect a paper copy of the survey and the information pack from your local Library or Leisure Centre, by calling 01545 570881 or emailing us at clic@ceredigion.gov.uk.

If there are any issues, please contact Ymgynghoriaeth Gwynedd Consultancy at ygc@gwynedd.llyw.cymru or 01286 679426.

Comments can also be sent by e-mail to ygc@gwynedd.llyw.cymru.

Data protection

Read how the Council handles data collected through consultations - Consultations Privacy Notice.

What happens next?

• Identified Preferred Solution
• Detail Design
• Land Negotiations
• Environmental Assessment
• Consents
• Planning (if required)
• Key Stakeholder Engagement
• Procurement
• Construction