Motorists are being advised of a series of night-time road closures on the A4059 near Cwmbach as the next phase of repairs to the Afon Cynon Bridge gets underway.
The closures will take place over 10 consecutive nights between Monday, July 6 and Wednesday, July 15, with the road closed from 8pm until 5am each night. The final closure will end at 5am on Thursday, July 16.
The bridge, located between the Cwmbach and Asda roundabouts, spans both the River Cynon and the railway line. A major maintenance scheme began last year, with contractor Horan Construction Ltd returning to site in April 2026 to complete the works later this year.
This year’s programme includes installing bearings, carrying out concrete repairs to the abutments and ballast walls, replacing bridge deck expansion joints, replacing a damaged section of parapet, repairing masonry, completing maintenance painting and undertaking footpath repairs.
Recent work saw the bridge jacked up over several weeks to allow its bearings to be replaced while keeping the road open under a temporary vehicle weight restriction. The bridge has since been de-jacked following completion of that stage, with the weight limit now removed.
The next phase will see the bridge’s expansion joints replaced during the overnight closures.
During the works, the traffic management arrangements will mirror those used during the previous phase, with a full road closure required each night. Access will not be maintained for emergency services, pedestrians or premises while the road is closed.
A signed diversion route will direct motorists via Canal Road, Cwmbach Road, Ynys Roundabout and the A4059 bypass. Vehicles unable to pass beneath the low railway bridge should instead travel via Canal Road, Cwmbach Road, Wellington Street, Meirion Street Roundabout and the A4059 bypass.
The public right of way beneath the bridge will also remain closed while work continues to ensure the safety of both the public and workforce.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Capital Infrastructure, said: “The Council is delivering a huge repair and maintenance programme to ensure Structures across the County Borough – that we reply upon to support our road network – are fit-for-purpose and future-proofed. Our investment in the 2026/27 capital programme is more than £12.2 million, with many schemes needing to contend with complex rules and arrangements around river working and operating near a live railway.
“We’ll continue to invest in this area as a priority – with key schemes for William Edwards Bridge in Pontypridd, Cynon Star Bridge in Abercynon, the Machine Bridges in Treforest, Mountain Ash Town Bridge, Miskin Manor Bridge, Darren Ddu Bridge in Ynysybwl, and Nantygwyddon Road Bridge in Llwynypia, just a few of the named schemes in this year’s programme.
“Work on the Afon Cynon Bridge in Cwmbach has continued to make good progress since work resumed in April. The recent replacement of the bridge’s bearings was an important milestone, and we’re now moving onto delivering expansion joint replacements. We’re aware of the importance of this stretch of road along the A4059, which is why we’re using 10 night shifts from July 6-15, to significantly reduce disruption. Thanks to residents and commuters for your cooperation as we deliver this important repair scheme throughout the year.”
