Barmouth Bridge

Client: Barmouth Viaduct Access Group
Timeframe: June 2018
Discipline: Structural Engineering

Barmouth Bridge (also known as Barmouth Viaduct) is a Grade II* listed single track wooden railway viaduct across the River Mawddach estuary. The 700m crossing opened in 1867 and carries the Cambrian Railway line. It is the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest still in regular use in Britain. A footbridge is incorporated on the eastern side of the bridge and pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles can cross the estuary by the side of the track. Since 1996, this has formed part of the National Cycle Route that links North and South Wales. The shared use path also forms part of the Wales Coastal Path. This shared use path is located within a very scenic part of Gwynedd’s coast and is of national importance. The path is a tourist attraction, attracting both walkers, cyclists and holiday makers to the town and is of local importance to residents.

The access route from the viaduct to Barmouth promenade was very dangerous and is unsuitable for families with young children and those with restricted mobility. The shared use path headed north of the viaduct up a steep gradient before terminating at Porkington Terrace (A496). The path leaded people straight onto the busy road which is the main road into Barmouth from Dolgellau and is used by large vehicles. Members of the public were then forced to cross this busy road onto a narrow pavement which runs alongside a near vertical rock outcrop. In February 2013 a group of locals formed the Barmouth Viaduct Access Group with the aim to provide safer access from Barmouth promenade to the viaduct. Since its formation, this group has gathered the support from local residents, Barmouth Town Council, Gwynedd Council, Network Rail and Members of Parliament.

FJD Consulting have guided this non-technical client through the process of developing their scheme, gaining planning permission, undertaking detailed design through to construction stage. A Technical Options Review has been undertaken, including a Life Cycle Cost Analysis. This formed the basis of the scheme developing through to fruition.

At FJD Consulting we take pride in our work within the charity and heritage railway sector and with our wealth of experience we are able to focus on what is important, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.