Bontnewydd Fish and Eel pass construction project

Overview

Welsh version available here.

What work is taking place

The Bontnewydd weir has been assessed as being a barrier to fish and eel migration on the Afon Gwyrfai. The planned work involves:

• Replacing the rock barrage immediately downstream of the weir to improve fish passage upstream.
• Installing an eel pass over the weir by modifying its surface to create a rough, brushed finish that eels can grip onto.
• Repairing part of the wing wall on the left-hand bank, which is being undermined.

To minimise disruption, only half of the river channel will be dammed at a time, allowing the river to continue flowing through the open section.

The rock barrage section will involve placing boulders in a concrete bed. It will be cast in six sections, making it a time-consuming process (see drawing below).

The wing wall be replaced like for like once all the other works in channel are completed.

The landowner and local councillors have been informed of these works. All the properties that back onto the work area and the access route to the work area have received a letter outlining the project and its purpose.

Artist impression of the work:

When will work start and finish

Site access works are scheduled to begin in April 2025, with in-channel works starting in May 2025. All works are expected to be completed by September 2025. However, due to the nature of working in watercourses and potential weather constraints, these dates may be subject to change.

Efforts will be made to keep noise to a minimum. For example, any pumps used will be noise reduced. Working hours will be 8am to 6pm, with no works planned for  weekends. Unless there is an emergency due to weather related issues.

Where will work take place

The work will take place at the Afon Gwyrfai gauging weir and the rock ramp area immediately downstream. All work will be carried out either from the left bank or within the channel.

The site will be accessed via a new gateway off Digbeth Terrace.

Who is undertaking the works

The contractor for these works is William Hughes (Civil Engineering) Ltd.

Further updates will be provided on this webpage as the project progresses. For enquiries, the project team can be contacted via email at:

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can phone Natural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000 and leave your details for a callback.

Residents and businesses directly affected have already been contacted. Alongside our contractors, we will continue engaging with landowners individually to plan the works and minimise disruption.