Work has begun to replace the existing structure over the railway lines at Maesdu, which has been in existence for almost eighty years. In the photograph below the old lights on the bridge seem to be twinkling against the grey skies. It was a shame to see the lights lined up on the roadside, waiting for the bridge to be demolished, not knowing what is going to happen to them. Let's hope they find a good home, better still, that they reappear when the new bridge is completed some time next year.
Replacing the bridge will cost over £1.5million - a significant investment and commitment from Conwy County Borough Council, together with a Transport Grant from the Welsh Assembly Government. Fears have been expressed that the final cost could be significantly more than this.
The original bridge was built around about 1931, a year before the Sydney Harbour Bridge and six years before the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco were built. Maesdu Bridge was built, reportedly, at a cost of less than £30,000.
From 19th October the road (A546) has been closed to all vehicles from the junction with Maesdu Road to the junction with Alexandra Road. Diversions have been in place which have increased the traffic flow along Builder Street, into the town centre and also along Maesdu Road. Motorists are urged to take extra care in the area while the diversions are in place.
Pedestrians were able to cross the bridge while the preparatory work has taken place, enabling them to witness the gradual disappearance of this Llandudno landmark at close quarters.
Demolition of the existing bridge started on Sunday, 15th November and the Llandudno Junction to Llandudno railway line will be closed for five days while the rubble from the old bridge is cleared from the area.
The above photographs have been taken by local amateur photographer Anthony Woodhouse, who has very kindly given me permission to use them. There is a link to Anthony's website at the end of this article, he has taken many stunning photographs in the local area and beyond. The site is well worth a visit and there are several more photographs of the demolition of the bridge available to view.
The railway tracks had been cleared of rubble by Wednesday morning. It won't be long before the trains are passing through once again. One of the first jobs has been to put up a temporary footbridge over the railway line so that pedestrians can continue to get to and from Llandudno Hospital and Ysgol John Bright.
The footbridge has now been erected and and is open for use. A word of warning to all who intend using the new footbridge. With the wet weather we are experiencing at the moment some of the walkway is quite slippy. When the weather gets colder and it starts to freeze I would advise extreme caution when using the footbridge - not quite the same effect as the original - yet!
Don't forget to check out more photographs on the website of Anthony Woodhouse.