Client: North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent

The aim of this project was to improve the connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists between the slate landscape of Llechwedd Quarry and Blaenau Ffestiniog, the work is part of the Llewyrch o’r Llechi project – a cultural investment programme funded by UK Government and led by Cyngor Gwynedd and developed as part of the regeneration effort stemming from The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site designation.

Key features included:

• A 1.3km active travel for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users
• Pedestrian/cyclist refuge islands and widened footways for enhanced safety
• Environmental enhancements, including planting 400 trees and creating new habitats
• Sustainable construction, using recycled materials and local labour
• Minimal disruption through phased works and night-time construction

In collaboration with Jones Bros, YGC had success by winning the CIHT Cyrmu Wales 2025 Active Travel Award for the A470 Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llechwedd Quarry Connecting Route.

Councillor June Jones, Cabinet Member for Highways, Engineering and YGC said:

“Congratulations to YGC staff and everyone who made it onto the shortlist for these prestigious awards. These projects in Blaenau Ffestiniog and Friog to Llwyngwril have contributed to local economic development and regeneration, public health, and environmental sustainability.

“This success at the awards is encouraging news and a recognition of the innovation and collaboration taking place within the YGC Service with partners such as Jones Bros and the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site to deliver high-quality projects within our communities here in Gwynedd.

“This also reinforces the Council’s commitment to Active Travel, one of the projects in the Cyngor Gwynedd Plan, which will ultimately help improve personal health, air quality, and make our communities desirable places to live and work.”

YGC collaborated with the contractor Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK on these projects.

Jones Bros contracts director Hefin Lloyd-Davies said:

“It’s been brilliant to work closely alongside YGC to deliver such impactful projects, and I’m proud that our efforts have been recognised by such an established industry body.

“The award wins are truly a testament to the hard work of all our members of staff and reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and collaboration we have with YGC.”