Warning of diversions via Corwen if incidents affect A483

Concerns have been raised over the wider implications of a key route through Llangollen being blocked.

As we reported earlier the bridge over the River Dee in Llangollen has been closed since mid morning after a bin lorry collided with a wall and knocked over a lamppost.

Wrexham.com understands a structural engineer is required before any recovery can take place, with the bin lorry remaining blocking the road until that is complete.

As readers are well aware, a section of the B5605 road between Newbridge and Cefn Mawr was severely damaged during Storm Christoph in January last year, when torrential downpours caused part of it to collapse down an embankment. Further cracks appeared in the road, with residents currently forced to take lengthy diversions to get to work or school – and any incident on the relevant section of the A483 now meaning a long diversion via Llangollen over the bridge affected today.

Commenting about news of the Llangollen bridge closure earlier today, Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s North Wales MS said: “This is bad news for anyone trying to get through Llangollen but there are wider implications here.

“Due to the closure of the B5605 at Newbridge, any longer-term closure at Llangollen will mean that HGVs and other traffic could have to go as far Corwen if the A483 has to be closed for any reason.

“Diversions through Llangollen have already created problems and this would be far worse. It’s vital that Welsh Government commits to funding the repair work needed to re-open the B5605, both for the needs of local residents and as a relief route for when the A483 is closed.

“It’s been 14 months, the business case has been submitted and it’s clear that the road needs to be repaired before even more damage is done.”

Top image via Cllr Terry Evans who almost lost a bicycle in the incident.