A procurement process has started to appoint a main contractor for the proposed Cynon Gateway Link Road, with detailed design work expected to begin in 2027.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has confirmed that the scheme remains a commitment as work progresses on plans for a new 1.2km road in the north of the Cynon Valley.
The proposed route would connect the A4059 Aberdare Bypass, between the Trecynon and Penywaun roundabouts, to the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road at Croesbychan.
The scheme aims to strengthen north-south transport links, improve access across the area, ease congestion in Llwydcoed and on other local routes, and support economic growth.
Earlier this year, £2.01 million was allocated by Welsh Government through the Cardiff Capital Region to develop the project during 2026/27. This was in addition to £603,000 identified in the Council’s Highways and Engineering Capital Programme, agreed in March.
The procurement process and final contract award are expected to conclude during 2027, allowing the detailed design phase to begin. Depending on the contractor’s proposals, this could include initial work on the ground to support the design process.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Capital Infrastructure, said: “Following the Council and Welsh Government’s separate funding allocations to develop the Cynon Gateway Link Road throughout 2026/27, this latest progress update looks ahead to the next major milestone. Officers have started an extensive procurement process to appoint the main contractor that will be responsible for delivering this multi-million pound investment. Once the contract is awarded next year, the detailed design phase will be able to start, and this may involve the first works on site to support the detailed design work.
“I’d like to assure residents that this project remains an absolute commitment for the Council, while it is also a key part of the Cardiff Capital Region’s five-year Regional Transport Plan. We understand that the project is vital to improve connectivity, to support economic growth in the Cynon Valley, and to tackle transport challenges in surrounding communities. For example, the scheme will reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety in Llwydcoed.
“We have an excellent recent track record of delivering major transportation projects – having successfully completed the A4119 Coed Ely dualling and the Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link in recent years. We’re currently developing the Cynon Gateway Link Road alongside the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor, with both schemes being revised following the Roads Review. Thank you to communities for your patience as the revised projects are developed. It’s important that we take the time to get them right, so they meet the current transportation challenges and are delivered to have the most effective impact.
“The Council will continue to keep residents up-to-date with all key milestones relating to the Cynon Gateway Link Road scheme, including news of the main contractor being appointed – which is anticipated during the period ahead.”
The project has been revised following publication of the Roads Review report in February 2023 to align it more closely with Welsh Government’s Transport Policy.
