An important repair scheme will shortly begin to the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge near Trecynon, which is a Scheduled Monument. The scheme will take place over two phases of work, with this year’s work causing no disruption.
Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge provides a route for pedestrians off the section of the Cynon Trail between Trecynon and Hirwaun. It spans the Afon Cynon at a location to the north-west of the former Mayhew Chicken Factory site.
A repair scheme sympathetic to the structure’s Scheduled Monument status will start from Monday, August 1. Centregreat Ltd has been appointed by the Council to carry out the work, which will be funded by the Capital Programme for Parks Structures across two phases of work commencing this summer.
This year’s work, running until the end of October 2022, will be undertaken to the upstream side of the bridge. It includes site clearance, vegetation removal from the structure, re-setting of loose stones, replacing missing stones, and rebuilding the top of the wingwalls and spandrel walls. Abutment scour repairs will also be undertaken, while the fencing over the structure will be replaced.
Pedestrian access over the bridge will be maintained for the duration of this work, which is anticipated to cause no disruption to the community.
The remainder of the scheme, to carry out repairs to the downstream side of the bridge, is being scheduled to take place during summer 2023.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “The Council understands the historical and cultural importance of the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge, and has therefore worked with the relevant authorities to design a sympathetic repair scheme. The first phase of work will take place over three months from August 1, followed by a second phase of work next summer.
“This scheme is included within the £26.365m Highways and Transportation Capital Programme for 2022/23, under the Parks and Countryside projects. In addition, £5.65m has been allocated for Highways structures this year, as the Council progresses key repair or replacement schemes for the Brook Street Footbridge in Ystrad, the Llanharan Railway Footbridge, the Nant Cwm Parc Cantilever/Institute Bridge in Treorchy, and Imperial Bridge in Porth.
“This is separate from the £6.441m Welsh Government funding secured for Storm Dennis works in 2022/23, to progress schemes at Berw Road Bridge, Castle Inn Footbridge, Tynybryn Footbridge and Feeder Pipe Footbridge.
“The upcoming work to the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge in Trecynon will cause minimal disruption to the community, with pedestrian access over the bridge being maintained at all times during the scheme. The Council’s appointed contractor will begin setting up the works site from Monday. Thanks to residents for their cooperation during this important repair scheme.”
