The newly-replaced Tynybryn Footbridge in Tonyrefail will reopen to members of the public on Friday (January 26) following good progress with the scheme – to re-establish a popular local link within the community.
The footbridge provides a path across the river, supporting a walking and cycling route between Tynybryn Road and the A4119 underpass. The old bridge was demolished last year, and replaced with an active travel-compliant alternative in November 2023 – which also has an improved alignment. Associated footway and street lighting improvements are also being made.
The bridge replacement has formed part of a wider scheme at this location. Additional work has realigned the river channel and carried out embankment repairs nearby – to rectify significant scour damage to the River Ely, improve flows, and reduce the risk of further damage from occurring in the future.
Final resurfacing work is now being completed near the new footbridge, to enable it to be reopened to the public by 5pm on Friday, January 26. The replacement shuttle bus that has been in operation will then come to an end, with the last service taking place at 6.20pm on Friday.
Some final works are required over the coming weeks, and the contractor will retain a presence on site to complete these by mid-February 2023. These are programmed works that include landscaping and tree planting activity.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “The Tynybryn Footbridge replacement, along with the associated river channel repairs, represents one of our priority structures schemes for 2023/24 – and it is excellent news that the new bridge can be opened this week. It will reinstate a key local link across the river, which is a well-used route by the community.
“The scheme in Tonyrefail has been delivered as part of a programme of Storm Dennis repairs in Rhondda Cynon Taf, being wholly funded by Welsh Government this year. Major structures schemes such as the Castle Inn Bridge replacement in Treforest and the White Bridge repairs in Pontypridd are being progressed via this investment, which totals around £20m.
“In addition, the Council has its own large funding programme for structures in 2023/24. An initial £4.5m Capital Programme allocation was supplemented by extra funding of £2.5m for Council priority areas in November 2023. This has enabled us to complete key schemes throughout the year such as Imperial Bridge in Porth, Lanelay Bridge in Talbot Green, and Graig Las bridge in Hendreforgan – while adding more schemes for completion by March 2024.
“I’d like to thank the community in Tonyrefail for their cooperation as the important Tynybryn Footbridge replacement was completed – particularly those households living close to the works site. The scheme has delivered an improved, modern footbridge that is suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. The river channel repairs have also protected nearby properties from damage caused by the river, and reduced the risk of this reoccurring in the future.”
