A BARGE on the River Dee is currently braving the strong winds in Flintshire as it battles to carry out vital ground tests as part of the River Dee Bridge Improvement Scheme.

The vessel is expected to be there until Friday, March 22, with tests being carried out around the clock to complete the work as soon as possible.

Investigation work on the River Dee is being done in Queensferry to test ground conditions in the area which will assist in the design of a proposed new bridge.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said:

“Marine ground investigation works are taking place in the River Dee as part of the A494 River Dee Bridge Improvement Scheme. The barge will be on site until approximately 22 March, however work will be carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure it is completed as quickly as possible.”

The existing A494 river bridge is presently in a poor structural condition which has forced the Welsh Government to consider options to replace or improve the bridge.

Various environmental and topographical surveys are currently being undertaken, with actual construction work estimated to begin in the summer or autumn of 2020 subject to approval.