Residents are invited to have their say on potential options to alter the section of the Taff Trail at Trallwn – to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, make the route easier to follow and promote access to nearby communities.
The need to improve this section of the Taff Trail has been identified by the Council in the process of submitting its Active Travel Network Map to Welsh Government, a requirement of all Councils in Wales. The map shows existing walking and cycling routes, as well as proposed routes that the Council would like to eventually develop to create a comprehensive Active Travel network.
The current alignment of the Taff Trail through Trallwn follows different routes for northbound and southbound journeys, as many local roads are one-way. While signs guide Taff Trail users via local streets, it takes an indirect route and might be difficult to follow for people who are unfamiliar with the area.
The Council appointed WSP to undertake a study that considers options for improving the route through Trallwn. The design process is at an early stage, and a single preferred option will be chosen based on several considerations – one of which is feedback from the community during a public consultation.
The consultation process is now underway, and residents can find out more and have their say on the Council website by Friday, April 7. Two options have been put forward to improve the Taff Trail routes through Trallwn, and detailed plans of each are shown on the website.
Option 1 would realign the route via the A470 footbridge at Foundry Road. It would realign the existing footway along sections of Coedpenmaen Road and Bridge Street to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. The A470 footbridge would be upgraded or replaced, and lighting is proposed for the alley to the rear of the school. The Coedpenmaen Road approach to the A470 would also be widened and the crossings on the A470 slip roads would be upgraded.
Option 2 would realign the route via the A470 underpass at Doddington Place. It would widen the footway along sections of Coedpenmaen Road and Bridge Street to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. The route would then travel eastwards at the Coedpenmaen Road/Doddington Place junction, passing underneath the A470 via Scarborough Road and Llanover Road. It could then either continue in front of the school to meet Common Road, or use the alley behind it to link to Coedpenmaen Close. As in Option 1, the approaches to the A470 roundabout and the A470 slip road crossing points would be upgraded.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “The section of the Taff Trail at Trallwn is an important link in the Active Travel network surrounding Pontypridd. Identified improvements would provide a more direct journey for Taff Trail users, make the route clearer for those unfamiliar with the area, and better promote access to popular nearby visitor areas such as Pontypridd Town Centre, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and Lido Ponty.
“Encouraging more people to walk or cycle during their everyday journeys has a number of benefits – from improving the environment to reducing traffic and journey times, and increasing people’s health and well-being. Therefore, it’s very important to monitor and improve our local routes – and residents can view the latest Active Travel Network Map on the Council website.
“The consultation over proposed changes to the Taff Trail in Trallwn is now underway, and interested residents are invited to find out more and take part before the deadline on April 7. The process will focus on two options that have been brought forward for the Taff Trail route. The feedback received will help officers shape the scheme going forward and finalise a preferred option.”
