Residents and road users will notice increased activity near the Llanharan railway bridge next week – as the Council’s contractor begins to prepare the site for a replacement footbridge to be installed in early summer.
Following the demolition of the damaged footbridge in January 2022, the Council’s contractor Centregreat Ltd will begin the construction phase of the replacement scheme from Monday, February 14. The new bridge is currently being constructed off site, and the works schedule is to lift it into place during early summer – once the necessary preparations on site have advanced.
Initial activity from Monday will include setting up the site compound on the unnamed road off Bridgend Road, located just south of the bridge and running parallel to the railway line towards Llanharan Railway Station. The contractor will ensure that pedestrian access on this road will be maintained at all times.
In the coming weeks, the scheme will progress with ecology work, trial pits, vegetation clearance and demolition of the old bridge foundations. Temporary work to the north embankment and removal of the bridge pilaster will follow.
Current traffic management and pedestrian arrangements will continue over the next few weeks. It is anticipated that pedestrian arrangements will change in mid-March to ensure safe removal of the bridge pilaster, with the temporary footpath on Bridgend Road being brought out of use. A full road closure will also be needed to lift the new bridge into place, scheduled for early summer.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “The scheme to replace the Llanharan Railway Footbridge is now progressing to the next stage, and residents will notice increased activity on site from Monday. The construction phase follows removal of the damaged footbridge in January, using a night-time road closure to minimise disruption.
“The community can be assured that this scheme is being progressed by the Council as a priority – acknowledging the continued need for traffic lights on the main road, and also the complex nature of the work in close proximity to the railway. Thanks to residents and road users for continuing to cooperate with us, as we look to made good progress towards completion this summer.”
