The first of five phases of work to improve the Rhondda Fach Active Travel route will start next week – to upgrade the existing path in Maerdy into a wider, more suitable shared route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Welsh Government has recently announced that the Council was successful in securing more than £3.43m from the Active Travel Fund in 2023/24. This allocation includes £1.94m funding for phases 1 and 2 of the active travel route at Maerdy and Ferndale – along with separate funding in a Core Allocation covering phases 3, 4 and 5, between Ferndale and Tylorstown.
Phase 1 works will begin on Monday, July 10, to upgrade the existing path between Mardy Colliery Gateway Memorial and a point north of the industrial estate near the old colliery site. The Council has appointed Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd to undertake the works, to be completed during late autumn.
The work includes upgrading the existing path to a 3-metre wide, surfaced cycle and pedestrian route conforming to active travel standards. The path will be closed to ensure safety for the duration of the works. Pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted via the adjacent industrial estate on a temporary basis.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “I’m pleased that the first phase of work to upgrade the Rhondda Fach Active Travel route will soon get underway, starting at the northernmost section in Maerdy. This closely follows Welsh Government’s funding announcement in June, as the Council has secured funding for five phases of work through Rhondda Fach.
“Phase 1 will upgrade the existing path which runs adjacent to the industrial estate, between the old Mardy colliery site and the community memorial. Future phases of work along the Rhondda Fach route will upgrade informal areas of path into dedicated, shared active travel locations for cyclists and pedestrians – and will also create new community links at targeted locations.
“Promoting walking and cycling as part of people’s everyday journeys remains a Council priority to improve health and wellbeing and combat climate change. We continue to welcome Welsh Government’s support, with £3.43m funding for local schemes secured this year. It will help deliver Taff Trail improvements at Trallwn, establish a formal active travel route through Cwmbach, replace the Riverside Bridge in Llwydcoed, improve various links in Church Village, and progress key schemes in Aberdare and Pontypridd Town Centres.
“The Council’s contractor for Phase 1 in Maerdy will begin on July 10, and requires the necessary closure of the existing path. Thanks to residents for your cooperation as these upgrades are delivered. Phase 2 is then scheduled to follow on later this year, primarily focusing on the route through Ferndale.”
