RCT Council will begin work this week in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park to prepare for the significant repair scheme to the damaged footbridge – which will commence on-site by the beginning of November.
In the week commencing Monday, October 12, local residents and visitors to the Pontypridd park will notice works activity on site, as the Council prepares to carry out a repair scheme to the Marks and Spencer Bridge. The structure has been closed since February 2020 due to the significant damaged it sustained during unprecedented weather brought by Storm Dennis.
During an update issued in July, the Council announced proposals to repair the bridge by erecting a crane within the park and conducting works on site. The scheme will remove the bridge to land within the park, where the repairs will be carried out. The bridge will be lifted back into place upon completion.
From Monday, initial preparatory work will be undertaken by the Council’s contractor Centregreat Ltd. This will include site setup, ground investigations and trial pits. Several works areas will be cordoned off – including a site for the crane near the bridge and the site compound area next to Lido Ponty.
The park will remain open to visitors during its normal hours, but there will be no access to the works areas outlined above, which will be cordoned off.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “Earlier this summer, the Council reiterated its commitment to bringing the Marks and Spencer Bridge back into use – understanding that it provides a vital link between Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and the town centre. The Council also announced a proposal to repair the structure this autumn, rather than replace it, utilising land in the park to carry out the work on site.
“From October 12, visitors to the park will notice a series of preparatory works get underway, including cordoning off several areas required for the work. The bridge removal and repair scheme is scheduled to begin in a few weeks’ time, and the Council will communicate details to residents once they are finalised.
“The Council will also work closely with its contractor to minimise the disruption to residents and park users as much as possible throughout the entire repair scheme. Work will be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible, and is scheduled to be completed during the New Year.”
The Council also remains committed to carrying out repairs to other structures damaged by Storm Dennis – including White Bridge in Pontypridd and Castle Inn footbridge in Treforest. Specialist surveys at these sites are still under review, and the Council hopes to provide an update in the near future.
