Pont Rhiwarthen, Capel Bangor
This campaign closed on 22nd March 2026.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent consultation on plans to replace Pont Rhiwarthen Bridge at Penllwyn, Capel Bangor. Your feedback is helping us to shape the next stage of the project.
Who took part?
We received 74 survey responses, mostly from local residents and people who regularly use the bridge. This means the feedback strongly reflects the views of people who know the area best and rely on the bridge day to day. Feedback was also received from key stakeholders, in the form of written feedback or through meetings.
How people use the bridge
The bridge is used in lots of different ways, but mainly:
- Most people travel by car
- Many also walk or cycle
- It matters for horse riders and local businesses
This tells us that any new bridge must work well for everyone, not just drivers.
What you told us about the current bridge
Many people highlighted challenges with the existing bridge:
- It is narrow, making it difficult for vehicles to pass
- It feels unsafe for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
- Larger vehicles (like farm machinery or delivery vehicles) struggle to use it
While some people said they don’t experience problems, the overall message is that the bridge does not meet today’s needs as well as it could.
Views on the options
There was a clear preference for replacing the bridge in its current location. However, many of you told us that what matters most is not just where the bridge goes, but how the work is carried out, especially during construction.
What matters most to you
Across all responses, a few key themes stood out:
Keeping access during construction
People were very clear that:
- Access for residents, farms and businesses must be maintained
- Long closures and difficult diversion routes are a major concern
- Keeping the bridge open during works, where possible, would be preferred
Supporting local businesses and tourism
The bridge plays a key role in the local economy, including:
- The Rheidol Riding Centre
- Tourism and caravan sites
- Farming and rural businesses
Access for larger vehicles and horse transport is especially important.
Improving safety for everyone
There is strong support for:
- A wider, safer bridge
- Better space for walking, cycling and horse riding
Protecting the environment
Many responses showed a strong awareness of the local environment:
- Concerns about flooding, how the river flows and wildlife
- Support for designs that reduce impact on the river, such as single-span bridges
Respecting the character of the area
People would like to see a bridge that:
- Fits with the local landscape
- Respects nearby features like the Vale of Rheidol Railway
- Is simple, practical and in keeping with the area
What stakeholders told us
Organisations and community groups broadly back replacing the bridge, and they also highlighted a few key points:
- The need to protect the river and surrounding environment
- The importance of keeping routes open during construction
- How the bridge supports daily life, tourism and local businesses
FAQ's
A number of specific questions were asked during this consultation. Here are the responses to those questions based on the current stage of the scheme development.
No. All bridge options would be designed to meet the same current highway loading standards, regardless of whether the structure is single span or supported by piers. Any new bridge would be designed to safely accommodate modern vehicle weights.
At this stage, Option 1 is expected to be the quickest to deliver. Options that involve supports within the river channel are likely to require additional hydraulic modelling, environmental assessment, and consultation with Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
Options 3 and 4 are also expected to take longer due to the need for floodplain impact modelling and the potential requirement for additional land, which introduces further approvals and complexity.
Access to Capel Bangor railway station would be maintained from the southern side along the C1028.
High level cost estimates are currently being developed as part of the WelTAG Stage 2 appraisal. At this stage, costs are indicative only and will be refined once a preferred option is identified and further design work is undertaken.
The project is still at an early development stage. Overall timescales will depend on several factors, including selection of a preferred option, availability of funding, completion of statutory approvals, land agreements, and detailed design.
More information on likely programme and delivery timescales will be provided once the project has progressed to later stages.
Statkraft’s operations on the river are governed by an Abstraction Licence that is issued and regulated by Natural Resources Wales. Any contributions or responsibilities relating to river management fall within that regulatory framework. Funding arrangements for the bridge project itself are being explored separately through public sector routes.
Natural Resources Wales is responsible for issuing, monitoring, and reviewing abstraction licences. Any review of licence conditions sits with NRW as the regulator.
The bridge options are being designed to meet modern highway and safety standards. This includes providing appropriate carriageway width, pedestrian facilities, and safety margins.
While the approach roads are narrow, the bridge itself represents a constrained point where improved safety, resilience, and accessibility can be delivered.
This is a key consideration and is being actively assessed as part of the technical appraisal. Detailed hydraulic, geomorphological, and climate change assessments will be undertaken to determine whether piers within the river are appropriate and sustainable under current and future flow conditions, including surge events.
Regional Transport Plan (RTP) funding has been secured for the design and appraisal stages of the project. Funding options for construction have not yet been confirmed and are currently being explored as the project develops.
Location 2 is near the existing bridge. To safely construct new abutments, approach roads, and associated works, it is anticipated that the existing bridge and road would need to be closed during construction.
No. The images shown are indicative visualisations only. In practice, the carriageway and pedestrian facilities would be at the same level, with appropriate separation and safety features designed in.
Yes, this is one of the options being considered. A single span bridge can be designed to safely accommodate two way traffic, subject to detailed engineering assessment.
Yes. Traffic data has been collected and is being used to inform the options appraisal and design development.
The two locations are being assessed to understand different engineering, environmental, constructability, and land take constraints. Although both locations may require temporary closure of the existing bridge, they present different risks, impacts, and opportunities that need to be evaluated before a preferred option is selected.
This can be considered as part of future engagement activities. Further details will be shared if additional engagement opportunities are arranged.
Ecological surveys are currently underway, including assessments of protected and notable species. The findings will inform the options appraisal and any future mitigation or design requirements.
What happens next?
Overall, the consultation shows strong backing for replacing the bridge and highlights what matters most to the community. As the project moves forward, we will focus on:
- Reducing disruption during construction
- Making sure the design works for all users
- Protecting the environment and local character
Your feedback will continue to play a key role as plans are developed further.
Original engagement
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:
- Improve Transport links for all users on both sides of the river.
- Maintain the existing Rheidol Cycle route for all Non-Motorised Users.
- Maintain access to key destinations including residential areas, and business / employment sites.
- Enhance the resilience of the local transport network.
- Encourage sustainable transport modes to support the carbon-reduction agenda.
- 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:
Or, click on the four locations below to see proposed plans for a single span bridge and a two pier bridge.
Single Span bridge
2 Pier bridge
Single Span bridge
2 Pier bridge
Single Span bridge
2 Pier bridge
Single Span bridge
2 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