The Celtic Gateway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Celtic Gateway Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 53°18′34″N 4°37′52″W / 53.3095°N 4.6311°W |
| Carries | Pedestrians, Bicycles |
| Crosses | Old Holyhead Harbour, North Wales coastal railway line |
| Locale | Anglesey, Wales,  United Kingdom |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Arch bridge |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Total length | 160 metres (520 ft) |
| Width | 7 metres (23 ft) |
| History | |
| Constructed by | Cimolai |
| Opened | 19 October 2006 |
The Celtic Gateway (which means Welsh: Porth Celtaidd in Welsh) is a special bridge made of stainless steel. It's designed for people walking and riding bikes in Anglesey, Wales.
This bridge opened on October 19, 2006. A politician named Andrew Davies, who was a Member of the Welsh Assembly at the time, officially opened it. The main goal of the bridge was to make it easier for people to get from Holyhead's train station and ferry terminal to the main part of the town centre.
Why Was the Celtic Gateway Built?
Before this bridge, getting from the train station or ferry to the town was a bit tricky.
- Originally, the path was about 830 metres long. It had two steep hills and you had to cross a busy road.
- In 1991, another bridge was built. This cut the distance to 585 metres and removed one steep hill. But you still had to cross the busy road.
- The Celtic Gateway changed everything! It made the journey only 280 metres long. It has just one gentle slope, and best of all, you don't have to cross any roads. This makes it much safer and easier for everyone.
What Does the Bridge Look Like?
The Celtic Gateway is a long bridge, measuring 160-metre-long (520 ft) (about 525 feet). It is also 7-metre-wide (23 ft) (about 23 feet). It was built in a futuristic style, which means it looks very modern and forward-thinking. An Italian company called Cimolai built it.
The bridge is designed to be easy for everyone to use. It is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams, so people with young children or those using wheelchairs can cross easily.
Art on the Bridge
The Celtic Gateway isn't just a way to get from one place to another; it's also a place to see art!
- Sun Boats: You can find a series of bronze plaques built into the bridge's paving. These are called "Sun boats." The image comes from the ancient Celts, who believed the sun traveled across the night sky in a boat.
- Porth Celtaidd - Celtic Gateway Mosaic: There are also beautiful mosaics made of Venetian Glass by an artist named Gary Drostle. These mosaics add even more beauty to the bridge.
