RCT Council has provided a progress update on its upcoming work to replace the Brook Street footbridge at Ystrad Rhondda Railway Station – with initial work on site scheduled to begin during the first week of January 2022.
The bridge, which has reached the end of its design life, provides a well-used pedestrian access from Ystrad to Nant-y-Gwyddon Road, while it is also the only ramped access to the railway station’s northbound platform. Design of the scheme to demolish and replace the structure has been completed, and it includes provision of a missing link to the Active Travel route along the valley.
The scheme is being jointly funded by the Council and Welsh Government – and represents a challenge on site, as it must contend with the day-to-day operation of the railway station and live railway, while work must also take place above a river.
The Council has now confirmed that work is due to begin on site in the New Year, while Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd will be appointed as the contractor for the scheme. The contractor will shortly be writing to local residents to provide more details about its site activity, and the anticipated timescales for the work.
Subject to stakeholder approvals, work is currently on course to start from Tuesday, January 4 (2022). Site activity starting in the first week of the New Year will include vegetation clearance, in order to create an access for the main works. This phase of work will be focused near Gelli Industrial Estate.
The vegetation clearance will be followed by the start of the main works in February, which will initially create a new ramp access to the north bound platform allowing the removal of short flight of steps. This work will last around two months, and will be independent from the existing bridge and ramps.
Residents and commuters are assured that no local road closures are associated with this scheme, while access to and across the existing bridge, and the railway station, will remain unaffected until at least April 2022.
The Council will provide a further update ahead of the more disruptive works starting from April. This work will initially include dismantling the existing bridge, and a local mini bus service will be included within the arrangements.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “The replacement of Brook Street footbridge has long been an aspiration of the Council, with the bridge reaching the end of its design life. Demolishing the structure and building a replacement bridge is a complex scheme. The operation of the railway station nearby, the requirement to maintain access at all times and the presence of the river are just a few of the considerations.
“The Council will work closely with its contractor to deliver the scheme as efficiently as possible, and residents living nearby will shortly receive a letter from the contractor to explain the upcoming works in further detail. While residents will notice activity start early in the New Year, the main period of disruption will not begin until at least April 2022 – and engaging with the community and railway users will be a priority for our contractor.
“The Council remains committed to maintaining and future-proofing structures across the County Borough such as bridges, particularly those that are well-used. This month, our major recent works to St Alban’s Bridge (Blaenrhondda) and M&S footbridge (Pontypridd) were recognised by the Institute of Civil Engineers for excellence in public engagement and final delivery, and we’re committed to continuing this high standard for the Brook Street scheme.”
