48752
The now closed Sappers Suspension Bridge which crosses over the Afon Conwy (River Conwy) in Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy County, North Wales.
Until 1917, stepping stones were the only way to cross the River Conwy at this point. That year, a wooden footbridge was built on the site by the Royal Engineers to link the village with an army camp on the opposite side of the river.
When this was washed away in a storm in 1930, it was rebuilt by Westminster-based engineers David Rowell & Co. Seven years earlier the company constructed Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge, a similar but rather grander affair in Chester. The Betws-y-Coed version retained its original name of Sappers Bridge as a mark of respect to the Royal Engineers’ war-time efforts.
The suspension bridge used to be renowned for its wobbly midpoint and was a key shortcut across the River Conwy for locals and tourists. However, structural reviews conducted last year found that virtually the entire bridge would need to be refurbished, with the entire timber deck as well as other parts replaced completely.
No firm decision has yet been made due to the costs and funding. At the start of 2023 Conwy Council secured over £18m in UK Government funding to create a cycle path between Llandudno Junction and Betws-y-Coed and This scheme could feature an improved river crossing where Sappers Bridge is located.
Information Source:
www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/near-century-ol...
48752
The now closed Sappers Suspension Bridge which crosses over the Afon Conwy (River Conwy) in Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy County, North Wales.
Until 1917, stepping stones were the only way to cross the River Conwy at this point. That year, a wooden footbridge was built on the site by the Royal Engineers to link the village with an army camp on the opposite side of the river.
When this was washed away in a storm in 1930, it was rebuilt by Westminster-based engineers David Rowell & Co. Seven years earlier the company constructed Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge, a similar but rather grander affair in Chester. The Betws-y-Coed version retained its original name of Sappers Bridge as a mark of respect to the Royal Engineers’ war-time efforts.
The suspension bridge used to be renowned for its wobbly midpoint and was a key shortcut across the River Conwy for locals and tourists. However, structural reviews conducted last year found that virtually the entire bridge would need to be refurbished, with the entire timber deck as well as other parts replaced completely.
No firm decision has yet been made due to the costs and funding. At the start of 2023 Conwy Council secured over £18m in UK Government funding to create a cycle path between Llandudno Junction and Betws-y-Coed and This scheme could feature an improved river crossing where Sappers Bridge is located.
Information Source:
www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/near-century-ol...