Storm-damaged marina bridge and lock gates reopen after major investment

Storm-damaged Trafalgar Bridge in Swansea’s Marina has reopened along with the upgrading of the marina’s lockgates after a £750k investment.

The upgrade of the marina’s inner lock gates will provide the important equipment with a further 10-15 years life span the council have said.

The improvements have kept boat owners from entering or exiting the marina for the last few months while the gates were being given their new lease of life.

The main entrance to the marina features two sets of lock gates – inner and outer. The outer gates were fully refurbished around 10 years ago. The inner gates have not had any major works completed on them for the last 40 years and were in need of upgrading.

In order to complete the work, cranes removed the heavy gates and they were transported to a specialist facility where they were repaired and repainted. The newly painted gates were recently reinstalled.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure, said: “Swansea Marina is a hugely important part of our city and is fundamental to Swansea being a waterfront city.

“Boat owners come from far and wide to use our award winning facilities and so it’s vital we ensure the marina and all of its operating elements are working properly.

“I’m delighted we have been able to carry out and complete this upgrade before the summer gets into full swing and will now provide boat owners with many more years of enjoyment when they are in Swansea.”

Along with upgrading the lock gates, other essential maintenance has also been completed to a popular pedestrian route between the marina and SA1

In February, the city felt the power of Storm Eunice and one of the casualties was the Trafalgar Bridge which became swamped by high waves. Sea water damaged the electrical control equipment which is used to open and close a section of the bridge to allow boats through.

A further £60k has been spent on repairing the bridge, rebuilding the electrical systems so the bridge can open and close once more.

Cllr Stevens added: “Trafalgar Bridge provides residents and visitors with a walking routes over the Tawe River, between the marina and SA1. This has been closed to the public since the storm in February.

“This additional investment has now enabled us to reopen the bridge.”

Swansea Marina was recently awarded a Blue Flag by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)