bridge bridge welsh known single track largely wooden railway carries river estuary coast bay wales sits rail foot cycle traffic bridge opened originally included section north end tall ships pass later replaced current swing bridge section threatened safety bridge needed major repairs avoid closure tolls collected foot cycle traffic bridge grade listed structure longest timber regular use britain location structure bridge crosses estuary river near northwards edge line operated connecting services south east section containing bridge railway bridge grade listed structure metres long contains wooded supported series cast iron piers longest timber standing britain incorporated eastern pedestrians cross estuary track formed links owned agreement place pay annual maintenance exchange licence use bridge bridge built gravel bed covered shifting sand north end swing bridge section rock base river channel flow knots spans built directly rock nearby crossing road traffic nearest spanning toll bridge miles upstream permits vehicles tonnes heavier vehicles use public road bridge miles history bridge proposed designed opened october decided construct timber cheaper import sea iron built included wooden lifting section northern end permit passage tall ships regular use opening railway killed competition boat traffic arrangement changed current swing bridge arrangement theoretically operation opened test operation bridge nearly destroyed live naval washed ashore close bridge stormy weather briefly swept pillars detonate passenger train services bridge declined significantly line closed causing traffic longer slower route old railway station forms walk cycle trail bridge structure come attack marine threatened closure discovered eaten supporting pillars estimated cost million repair locomotive hauled trains banned immediately resulted loss traffic including explosives traffic factory traffic routed road railway station opposed closing bridge completely railway traffic area tourist related government applied million grant repair bridge spent improving signalling bridge closed entirely traffic months temporary repair works eventually undertaken piles replaced april british rail class named celebrate short lived introduction locomotive hauled trains following repairs following major repairs weight restriction relaxed locomotive hauled trains allowed cross march established investigate alternative route town centre bridge current walkway steep narrow unsuitable june toll removed collectors left replaced council decided pay bridge maintenance costs year proved problematic revenue collected tolls sufficient cover council share costs sufficient budget employ time staff collect payments proposed closing bridge pedestrians cost reasons needs find million worth savings april potential closure bridge cost saving options totalling million public consultation autumn council currently pays year maintenance costs petition calling council cease considerations closing loved walking cycling route attracted signatures week february reported bridge close
Barmouth Bridge