The Council will host a public exhibition to provide residents with more details about the major scheme to replace the Brook Street footbridge in Ystrad.
The structure, adjacent to Ystrad Railway Station, requires replacement as it nears the end of its expected lifespan. It provides a key pedestrian link between Ystrad and Nant-y-Gwyddon Road, and to the railway station – including the only access to the station for people with reduced mobility.
The Council will host a public exhibition about the significant replacement scheme at Rhondda Sports Centre (studio number three) on Tuesday, June 19, from midday to 7pm. It will give residents the chance to find out more about the scheme and its progress to date, and view the latest plans.
The replacement of Brook Street footbridge is extremely large and complex, as works must take place over a river and railway line. There will also be a necessary requirement to maintain access to the station throughout.
The bridge’s new design has been carefully evaluated, and has considered South Wales Metro proposals which affect its required height. Alun Griffiths Ltd was awarded the contract for the design phase of the scheme last year.
The Council has allocated £1.5m to this project, and £1.027m of this funding was included in the Council’s Highways Capital Programme for 2018/19. On site, the Council’s contractor undertook vegetation clearance on each side of the bridge in summer 2017. Further site investigations are currently ongoing.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, said:
“The replacement of Brook Street footbridge near Ystrad Railway Station is a major scheme, which will be very challenging to deliver due to a number of access issues to the site – and the requirement to allow the station to remain open throughout.
“Future-proofing pedestrian routes and important structures like footbridges – including their replacement where necessary – is an important part of the Council’s significant investment in its Highways through #RCTinvest. More than £20m was invested in Highways and Transportation schemes in 2017/18, which is followed by the £23.6m Highways Capital Programme for 2018/19.
“The Council has allocated more than £1.5m to the Brook Street footbridge replacement, which is currently in a pre-planning stage.
“The public exhibition on Thursday will allow residents to ask any questions they have about the scheme to Council Officers, and they will also be able to view project designs. I urge local residents to attend, to find out important information about this major scheme being delivered in their community.”
