THE RE-OPENING of a major bridge has been met with apathy by business owners, due to an extended period of delays .
Maesdu Bridge, which links Deganwy with Llandudno, re-opened on Friday following nearly a year of repair work.
Dawnus Construction Ltd started work on site in October 2009. The initial construction was scheduled to take 37 weeks, but was delayed by 10 weeks due to changes in working requirements by Network Rail and some modifications to the bridge design.
Garry Burchett, who owns Alexander Stores, said that enthusiasm for the re-opening of Maesdu Bridge had dwindled due to the length of time it had taken to repair.
He said “I think we all became resigned to delays. We want it open, but the drama of it opening has gone. We’ve lost excitement because it’s taken so long.”
Barbara Woodward, owner of News & Things on Trinity Avenue, said that business in the area had not picked up despite the bridge’s re-opening.
She said “I think what’s happened is that people have got used to going elsewhere, and a lot of people didn’t know it was opened.
“You think the business will come back of all a sudden, but that won’t happen. We’ll just have to wait and see if things pick up.”
Cllr Jason Weyman, who represents Deganwy, said this would also benefit his ward, and was optomistic that a rise in passing traffic would provide traders for the village stores.
He said “The amount of traffic is starting to increase, and that’s encouraging. People will hopefully come off the roads into the shops.”
Mr Weyman added that the council’s next task was to scrutinise and audit the work, to see where improvements could be made on similar projects in the future.
Stuart Davies, Head of Highways & Infrastructure for Conwy and Denbighshire Councils said, "I am delighted that the bridge is now completed with improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The removal of the weight restrictions will have a positive impact for businesses in the area.
“I am obviously disappointed that completion was delayed, but the contractor has worked very hard with the engineers to complete the scheme as quickly as possible. The safety improvements, from the wide footway/cycle path and the roundabout, are a very positive measure for all road users.
“I would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation whilst the works have been carried out.”
Final finishing works will take place this week, but these should not affect traffic movement.
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