Will the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on building a detritus catchment system for the river under Pontargothi bridge?
Following laboratory hydrological modelling works the preferred option for Debris Sweepers will be installed. These will provide a less intrusive and a more cost/carbon efficient solution and is now being taken forward to detailed design stage.
A formal planning application, to permit the construction of the debris sweepers, is currently being produced and will be submitted to National Resources Wales by the end of this financial year 2024/25. Any necessary land acquisition or access to build the scheme is also being investigated and progressed. Subject to the successful application process and attaining any necessary land requirements, construction of this scheme is targeted for next financial year 2025/26.
As part of this design option a new CCTV and monitoring system will also be installed at the bridge, to advise our Trunk Road Agents of any debris build up which is not prevented by the installation of the new Debris Sweepers.
In the meantime, our Trunk Road Agents will closely monitor the existing situation and arrange for any large build-up of debris to be cleared from the bridge as soon as reasonably practical.