£17,000 WORKS to replace a Pembrokeshire beauty spot bridge destroyed by Storm Darragh have been given the official sign-off by national park members.
At the May 7 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, members heard: “A key footbridge was destroyed by several fallen trees during Storm Darragh, and the public right of way, Public Footpath PP68/8 in Moylgrove, was subsequently closed for public safety. The bridge needs to be replaced urgently. A replacement bridge was procured to ensure that the route can be reopened.”
Members are informed that, in accordance with standing orders, the Authority procured the bridge from a company who could ensure manufacture, delivery and installation before the main vegetation cutting season.
A report for members said: “The rights of way network sustained extensive damage following various storms, including Storm Darragh. A key footbridge was destroyed by several fallen trees, and the public right of way was subsequently closed in accordance with the relevant Welsh Government closure procedures, as the route was deemed unsafe.”
It added: “The replacement, which will consist of two smaller bridges to be installed in the relevant location, are constructed from fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) materials, with pultruded beams supporting the bridges. There were no comparable suppliers of this type of bridge with the type of beam that is required.
“The bridge materials are durable (with a design life in excess of 75 years), lightweight, and can be transported to the remote and rugged site and installed safely. These structures will last longer than a similar timber structure.
“Another supplier was contacted; however, they could not provide the bridge in the timeframe needed, there are other companies that supply FRP decking boards, but these would be installed with steel beams which are too heavy to transport to and hence would be difficult to install at this location.
“A steel replacement bridge was also considered and priced. However, a steel bridge would be 40 per cent heavier than a FRP bridge, and due to the to the nature of the location, access and getting equipment to and across the terrain in the area would make a steel bridge high risk and challenging to deliver to site and install.”
The cost at some £17,000 was met within existing capital budgets and will be claimed via the Access Improvement Grant, and the bridge will be installed by the warden team, members heard.
Two temporary back-to-back closure orders were implemented in January, followed by a six-month temporary closure order which remains in force until July 19.
