Pont-y-Werin bridge opens in Cardiff

The Pont-y-Werin bridge between Cardiff and Penarth opened this week, providing a walking and cycling link between the two communities either side of the River Ely.

The bridge forms part of Sustrans’ plans to improve and enhance walking and cycling links across the country, using the £50 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund that followed a public TV vote in 2007.

Lee Waters, director of Sustrans Cymru, said, “Pont y Werin will truly be a people's bridge. Voted for by the public and named by local children, the bascule bridge will not only open for boats, but it will open the way for people to get from Cardiff Bay to Penarth and beyond in more sustainable ways. By completing a circuit around the Bay this new bridge will be a superb new local facility for everyday travel in the city as well as a national landmark."

The Pont-y-Werin bridge is part of the Sustrans Connect2 project, which includes nine schemes in Wales. The bridge is the first of these to be completed.