Part of road to close as work on new link begins

PART of a major Cynon Valley road is to close for 10 weeks as part of work to construct the new Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link.

The closure will affect motorists and pedestrians who use the section of Cardiff Road from its junction with the Cwm Cynon North Industrial Estate to just south of Usk Villas, and will begin from July 6.

The works costing £270,000 are as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s flagship project, and will see the junction resurfaced, as well as a new carriageway layout and lighting.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council and cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “The Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link has been a long-standing aspiration for local people – and the council is committed to making it a reality.

“It will vastly improve traffic flow at Mountain Ash and along the wider A4059 corridor, which is relied upon by thousands of residents every day.”

As well as the closure, the existing bollards further north on Cardiff Road will be temporarily removed during this time, allowing the carriageway to be opened up so motorists can access the alternative route - the A4059 from the junction near the town hall.

The overall scheme, planned for construction during 2019-20, will see a 60m bridge built from Cwm Cynon Industrial Estate to Miskin Road, over the Aberdare-Cardiff railway line and the River Cynon. It’s intended to provide a key link for traffic travelling on the A4059 and B4275, in order to relieve congestion at Mountain Ash and along the wider A4059/B4275 corridor.

Coun Morgan added: “This will be the first of many phases of works taking place from now until the end of this year.

“It will be followed by the demolition of Miskin Cottages at Miskin Road, and the demolition and rebuilding of garages at Miskin Terrace, in order to make land available for the wider scheme.

“A major upgrade to the A4059 junction will also take place, with dedicated turning lanes set to be introduced.”

To date, more than £7.5m has been allocated to the project by the council and the Welsh Government.