A new footbridge over the River Taff linking Merthyr Leisure Village, Rhydycar and the town centre is en route from its construction site in Shropshire.

Manufactured by Beaver Bridges, the structure will be installed this Sunday (12 March) and a section of Avenue de Clichy closed for the day to enable a crane to lift it into place.

The former bridge, which had height restrictions and was too narrow for pedestrians and cyclists to pass one another, is being replaced as part of the Council’s Active Travel improvements programme funded by Welsh Government.

The new structure is being relocated slightly north towards a new crossing point and will be 3.5m wide, allowing both walkers and cyclists to cross at the same time.

The road will be closed from 6am to 6pm, with diversions signposted to allow motorists to get through the town centre.

Council Leader Cllr Geraint Thomas said: “We want to make life easier for people crossing the footbridge in wheelchairs or with buggies and also want to encourage cyclists and others using the Taff Trail to come into the town centre.”