Cilwrgan bridge, Aberbechan, to reopen after repairs
A Grade II-listed road bridge in mid Wales shut as a result of weather-related structural damage will reopen later this week after repair work.
Cilgwrgan Bridge at Aberbechan, near Newtown, was closed in January 2011 after cracks were spotted in stonework.
The bridge on the B4389 temporarily re-opened last October but was closed again for final repair work.
Powys council said the £500,000 repairs to the historic bridge had to meet the requirements of heritage body Cadw.
The damage to the bridge, which motorists had used to avoid congestion in Newtown, was reported during an extended period of severe winter weather.
The council took the decision to close it, saying it had become dangerous.
Barry Thomas, Powys council's cabinet member for highways, said the authority knew the bridge's lengthy closure was inconvenient.
But he explained: "The restoration of listed structures requires a careful and meticulous approach to meet the stringent conservation standards and approvals.
"Aberbechan bridge is of special architectural and historic interest and the repair plans had to meet Cadw's requirements before works could proceed.
"Once the work is completed later this week, the bridge will be re-opened to two-way traffic."