TRAFFIC is being diverted up to eight miles following damage to a bridge on the A497 inland from Pwllheli.

The damage has been assessed by Gwynedd County Council engineers, but no date has yet been given for when repairs will be completed to the bridge.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “Following a report a vehicle had damaged Pont Bodfel on the A497 between Efailnewydd and Boduan, council officers carried out an immediate inspection of the bridge. This inspection confirmed that the structure had been severely damaged and diversions were immediately put in place.

“Structural Engineers are carrying out further detailed inspections of the bridge to assess the extent of the damage and the next steps that will need to be taken to address the situation.

“In the meantime, Pont Bodfel is closed and members of the public are urged to follow the diversions signs that are in place.”

The spokesperson added: “We don’t yet have a date for when the bridge will re-open.”

Pont Bodfal is a Grade II listed, three span masonry arch bridge.