19-Mile Diversion on A487 Due to Landslide Could Persist for Months

A landslide, triggered by Storm Darragh, has extended a previously six-mile journey to 25 miles. The A487 road, located between Corris and Minffordd in Gwynedd, has been inaccessible since Wednesday. This closure is a result of concerns regarding the instability of the terrain situated above the carriageway. While the Welsh government has expressed its intention to address the situation promptly, there are apprehensions that the road might remain closed for several months. Martin Jones, a builder, recounted his experience of driving towards Dolgellau shortly after the landslide, which was attributed to Storm Darragh on Saturday. He stated: “If I was 10 minutes earlier, I could have been caught up in the landslide and, you know, I’d have been stuck or maybe worse.” Mr. Jones, a resident of Aberllefenni, highlighted the disruption caused by the closure, noting that his young daughter attends a nursery in Brithdir, transforming a trip “that normally takes quarter of an hour” into a 45-minute commute in each direction. Dennis Jones, residing in Corris, expressed his astonishment at the magnitude of the landslide. He commented: “The volume of land, mud and trees that has come down is unbelievable. Luckily, they were cleared very, very quickly by a local contractor.” He further explained that a subsequent survey of the remaining land on the slope revealed it to be “very, very dangerous and is still unstable.” Mr. Jones also noted the scarcity of definitive information regarding the road’s reopening timeline, mentioning varying predictions: “Some have said a few days, others have said 10 to 15 days. But somebody this morning said it could be up to two or three months.” The Welsh government confirmed that the road’s closure was enacted for safety considerations. The North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent is reportedly working to repair the route “as soon as possible”.