Landslide road could be shut for two weeks

A ROAD in Port Talbot that was closed on Saturday after a landslide will remain closed “for at least two weeks”.

The landslip, which occurred on Saturday, saw about 30 tonnes of rubble left strewn across Cwmavon Road.

Rob Jones, the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council estimates that the road will be closed for “at least two weeks”, with Neath Port Talbot Council’s emergency planning department tweeting it would be closed until further notice.

Fire crews were called to the scene at 3.26pm with the road only expected to be closed for around 24 hours.

An oak tree blocked the roadway and a significant amount of rubble, estimated to be around 25 to 30 tonnes, was also in the carriageway.

Fire crews cordoned off the area to traffic coming from both directions and South Wales Police urged motorists to avoid the location until further notice.

South Wales Police described the landslide as “minor”.

One witness wrote on Twitter that the landslide occurred “in front of the Copper Miners on Barrett Estate”.

The road remains closed between London Row and Heilbronn Way and pedestrians are also being urged to “keep clear of the protected area and are advise to use and alternative pedestrian route”.

Mr Jones said: “It is unfortunate but we are lucky that there was no loss of property or loss of life.

“Both the emergency services and the council reacted quickly to this.

“Specialist contractors have been brought in to stabilise the road, which will be closed for at least two weeks.”

The council leader also said that while the closure was in place, provisions would be made for children returning to school as Cwmavon Road is a major route for busses.

A spokesman for the council said: “Following a landslip on Saturday, December 30, Cwmavon Road will remain closed until further notice, with traffic diversions in place.

“Pedestrians are requested to keep clear of the protected area and are advised to use an alternative pedestrian route.

“Initial mitigation work by the council is underway until the private land owner can be contacted to make further arrangements.

“Motorists should expect increased traffic on the Afan Valley Road A4170 due to the diversions and are advised to allow additional journey time.”