The committee announced yesterday that construction of the four-lane bridge meant that the valley could no longer retain its status as a site of outstanding universal value. This is only the second time that a site has been removed from the list since the arrangements were introduced in 1972.

UNESCO had already warned that the site's listing was threatened by Dreden's decision to press ahead with construction of the bridge. The design was modified last year but this was not enough to convince the committee to retain the status.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal in north-east Wales has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. The 18km aqueduct was conceived by celebrated civil engineer Thomas Telford. The committee described it as a pioneering masterpiece and said: “The use of both cast and wrought iron in the aqueduct enabled the construction of arches that were light and strong, producing an overall effect that is both monumental and elegant. The property is inscribed as a masterpiece of creative genius, and as a remarkable synthesis of expertise already acquired in Europe. It is also recognized as an innovative ensemble that inspired many projects all over the world."

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