TOURISTS flocking to Llandudno this year could get caught up in traffic after it was announced Maesdu Bridge will not be open for the summer season.
Delays of up to eight weeks are expected as the major bridge is rebuilt, with the extension to the original time scale estimated to cost around £500,000.
But according to some businesses the additional wait is "not unexpected".
The owner of News & Things on Trinity Avenue in Llandudno, said: "When we first found out about the bridge five days before it closed, we were told to allow a year before it reopened, so it's not at all surprising it's going to be another eight weeks.
"West Shore has become a cul-de-sac. We did have a lot of passing traffic coming both ways. Fortunately we have a lot of paper rounds which keeps us solvent and people use us for their groceries. If the shop had been in the state when we first got it I don't know what would have happened.
"You occasionally get people coming through wondering how they get out of Llandudno. GPS things are wonderful because they keep telling people to come and use the bridge.
"Menai bridge was put up quicker and they didn't have big earth moving machinery! The feeling around here is if you don't laugh, you'll cry."
The results of a review on Maesdu Bridge were announced at Conwy's Principal Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet last week, where a number of areas of concern were identified.
Members were told that the project will overrun by a number of weeks as a result of design and management issues and some minor weather issues.
Stuart Davies, Head of Highways and Infrastructure Services for Conwy and Denbighshire said: “I’m very disappointed to be reporting this to Members. The contractors have suggested an eight-week delay, but we believe it ought to be no more than six. Nonetheless, this is a very serious situation, these delays could cost the Authority up to £500k, money we can ill-afford in the current climate. It also means continued disruption to local residents and businesses who have shown great patience throughout the project.
"The Council is doing everything it can to open the bridge as quickly as possible and limit the cost increases.”
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