Valley link making ‘good progress’ with extra funding

THE Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link is “making rapid progress”, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has said, following news of a further £1m investment in the project.

The huge development will see a bridge built over the Aberdare to Cardiff railway line and the River Cynon, from the Cwm Cynon Industrial Estate to Miskin Road.

After being given the goahead earlier this year, the scheme will provide a new link for traffic travelling on the A4059 and B4275, easing congestion in and around Mountain Ash, as well as on the A4059 – the Cynon Valley’s major artery road.

The proposed £1m has been announced for the project as part of a £3m investement in highways across the area agreed by council cabinet on October 26.

Subject to the approval of full council in November, the latest investment will follow £7.5m allocated to the project to date from the local authority and Welsh Government funding.

If approved, the funding will join £2m given to develop the Llanharan Bypass and the construction of a dual carriageway on the A4119 at Tonyrefail.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said the Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link was making “rapid on-site progress”.

Initial proposals for the project have revealed a 60m bridge planned to link the roads which currently run on either side of the river.

The longer span over the railway and river will be 37m long, with additional improvements to around 385m of Miskin Road.

The bridge is also designed with Network Rail’s planned electrification of the Valleys railway lines in mind to make sure there is enough clearance for future works.

Coun Morgan said: “At the meeting on Thursday, cabinet agreed with recommendations to provide a significant £7m investment into a number of priority areas for the council, to support the delivery of a number of public commitments.

“Our £200m #RCTinvest programme continues to deliver our ambitions right across the county borough, in key investment areas such as leisure, schools, play areas, highways, housing, and town and village centres.

“Three major highways schemes will also receive £1m to help them progress and develop. The Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link is making rapid on-site progress, while development works are ongoing for the new Llanharan bypass and A4119 dualling at Tonyrefail.”