Residents and road users are advised that St Albans Bridge in Blaenrhondda will undergo a planned closure next week, to complete further work as part of the scheme which saw the bridge successfully replaced last year.
The Council reopened St Albans Bridge to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians during December 2020 with a brand new structure – having replaced the 1930s bridge which had reached the end of its design life.
When the bridge reopened last month, the Council confirmed that contractor Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd would continue activity across the wider site – and would require a further closure of the bridge in the New Year for the replacement of seven defective parapet panels which will improve the aesthetic quality of the bridge.
It is now confirmed that the further closure will take place from Monday, January 25, lasting one week, subject to fair weather. All work by the contractor will adhere to the latest guidance in relation to social distancing.
Arrangements for road users and pedestrians will revert back to those used during the original closure period last year. An alternative route for traffic will be via Blaenrhondda Road and Blaen-y-Cwm Road – or this route in reverse order. This includes all bus services (school transport, 120/130 and 121 Services) which will divert via Blaen-y-Cwm Road. Access will not be maintained for pedestrians nor emergency service vehicles.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “St Albans Bridge in Blaenrhondda was reopened before Christmas following good progress made throughout last year – thanks to the Council’s commitment to deliver this challenging replacement scheme for the benefit of the local community, utilising a significant investment of more than £2m.
“While the bridge was able to reopen on December 11, activity has continued across the wider site, and the Council gave notice that a further closure would be needed in the New Year to carry out additional works to the bridge. This has now been arranged for next week, taking place during the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions which should help minimise the disruption locally.
“I’d like to thank the local community and road users for their continued cooperation as the Council completes these essential works.”
