BRIDGE SET FOR REPAIR
TRAMROAD BRIDGE TO BE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED
A BRIDGE will be brought back into use next year after being removed, repaired and put back into place.
This week Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council announced it has appointed a contractor to repair the Penydarren Tramroad Bridge, in Trecynon, after scheduled monument consent was received from Cadw earlier this year.
The Grade II listed bridge was damaged by Storm Dennis in February 2020, and subsequent storm events.
Walters Ltd will be responsible for delivering the scheme, which will refurbish the cast iron beams that have cracked. The bridge will then need to be taken off-site for the specialist repairs to be undertaken this winter, before being returned and reopened in 2022.
A provisional timeline for the works, which could change, will be carried out across three stages.
The first stage includes partial demolition at the top of the bridge abutments, to allow the removal of the main bridge beams and scour repairs to the abutments. This will take place between September and October.
This will be followed by repairs to the main bridge beams off site, with no presence on site at the bridge location, between October and Februarynext year.
The final stage will include reinstallation of the bridge and abutments, and the reopening of the bridge during summer 2022.
At the moment the structure is surrounded by security fencing to ensure public safety and, due to the bridge’s historical significance, the council has worked with external consultants to design a sympathetic restoration scheme to allow the public right of way over the Afon Cynon to reopen.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transportation, said: “The planning of the restoration of the Penydarren Tramroad Bridge in Trecynon has been a complex process, in which the council has rightly worked very closely with key stakeholders, including Cadw, to plan and design a sympathetic scheme for the Listed structure.
“An important milestone was reached earlier this year by securing scheduled monument consent, allowing the scheme to progress.
“I’m sure today’s announcement that a contractor has now been appointed will be welcomed by residents.
“A provisional schedule for the work is also agreed – which could potentially see site activity from this September.
“The first phase of work will see the contractor remove the bridge to carry out the work off-site, which is the best solution due to the specialist nature of the repairs.
“The council is progressing this scheme alongside wider activity across the county borough to rectify Storm Dennis infrastructure damage.
“For example, we continue work to [repair] the final section of the retaining wall at Blaen-y-Cwm Road, while a repair scheme for Castle Inn Footbridge in Treforest continues to be planned and prepared by officers.
“Scour repairs are also complete at Berw Road Bridge (White Bridge), as we prepare to temporarily reopen it.
“The council will keep residents up to date with all of its major ongoing infrastructure schemes, including confirmation of work starting at Penydarren Tramroad Bridge in Trecynon, which is expected in the coming weeks.”