Popular British beach will close entrance in just hours as major delivery causes disruption

Visitors to one of Gwynedd's most popular beaches face disruption this weekend as authorities have shut the primary access point to Black Rock Sands.

Gwynedd Council confirmed the main entrance to Traeth Morfa Bychan closed at 8pm on Thursday evening and will remain inaccessible until 9am on Tuesday, July 14.

The closure is necessary to accommodate National Grid's delivery of a massive shunt reactor, which will arrive by barge on Sunday.

The beach, which normally permits vehicles onto the sand, is expected to draw large crowds, with warm weather forecast for the coming days.

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Once unloaded from the barge, the substantial piece of electrical equipment will begin its journey inland the following day.

Specialist haulage firm Collett Transport has been contracted to move the shunt reactor using a purpose-built heavy transport vehicle.

The route will take the convoy through Morfa Bychan and into central Porthmadog before joining the A497.

From there, it will cross Britannia Terrace and connect with the A487 at Minffordd, continuing through Maentwrog before finally reaching the Trawsfynydd substation via the A470.

A full police escort alongside private escort vehicles will accompany the delivery throughout Monday's journey to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety.

The shunt reactor forms a critical component of National Grid's Visual Impact Provision project within Eryri National Park.

This initiative aims to significantly reduce the visual intrusion of electricity infrastructure across the Dwyryd Estuary, which stretches between Minffordd and Llandecwyn.

Upon completion, ten pylons will be dismantled along with three kilometres of overhead power lines currently spanning the protected landscape.

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Underground cables housed within a deep tunnel will replace the removed infrastructure.

Shunt reactors play a vital role in high-voltage transmission networks, helping to maintain stable electricity voltage levels when switched on and off, which improves both system reliability and overall network efficiency.

Cyngor Gwynedd has urged beachgoers and motorists to exercise patience, warning that traffic congestion may build up around Morfa Bychan and Porthmadog throughout the weekend.

The local authority is coordinating with North Wales Police and National Grid to minimise disruption, asking the public to observe temporary traffic measures and follow directions from officials.

Mark Weightman, Site Manager at National Grid, said: "To coordinate the transport of this vital electrical equipment, we have worked closely with local authorities, relevant organisations and our specialist haulage contractor to minimise disruption to residents, local businesses and road users where possible."

He added: "We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the local community as we carry out this important delivery."

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