Replacing Pont Sarnau Footbridge to Promote Active Travel in Bethesda
Pell Frischmann is pleased to have provided consultancy services to OBR Construction. We were responsible for the substructure and approach design of a new shared-use equestrian, cycle, and footbridge over the River Ogwen, linking the town of Bethesda with a local primary school in North Wales.
The scheme involves demolishing the adjacent existing life-expired bridge in Spring 2026, out of the salmon spawning season, to prevent disturbances to wildlife. The existing fibre communication cables can then be diverted onto the new structure to maintain uninterrupted high-speed internet for nearby rural communities and businesses.
Andrew Jones, our Project Manager and Design Lead, said:
“A great team effort, particularly given the condensed programme and challenging geographical location. The bridge deck was transported to the site in two 14m long halves, spliced and lifted into position on 12/11/25 using a 350t crane. The Pell Frischmann designed substructure, and approaches were constructed using long-reach pumped concrete from a nearby batching plant and using locally sourced stonework, all monitored by Natural Resources Wales.
The approach works are being completed in December, with the existing bridge being demolished in Spring 2026. The Pell Frischmann and OBR partnership has recently secured follow-on work linking the north bridleway to nearby schools and communities as part of a larger active travel scheme.”
We worked closely with the truss designer, CTS, to create the bridge substructure for OBR Construction, on behalf of Gwynedd Council. The development is predicted to significantly enhance active travel in the area once it is completed.
