Major step forward in reopening of tunnel
THE Rhondda Tunnel saw light for the first time in 40 years after giant saws cut through a concrete seal.
The works are a major step for the plans to reopen the Victorian tunnel as the longest walking and cycle tunnel in Europe, which runs between Blaencwm in the Rhondda and Blaengwynfi in the Afan Valley.
Heavy machinery removed the cap that has covered the vent at the Blaengwynfi site since its closure in 1979-80 on Tuesday.
“This is certainly a fantastic day for us”, said project secretary Tony Moon.
“We are progressing steadily in the right direction and hope that very soon after the report from the detailed examiners [Balfour Beatty] the tunnel will come out with a clean bill of health.
“This will then give the all-clear for either the Welsh Government to take ownership of the tunnel from Highways England or perhaps a joint share with NPT [Neath Port Talbot], RCT [Rhondda Cynon Taf] and the Welsh Government.”
Work on both sites was due to continue on Wednesday, with a geotechnical survey to check if there is any contamination of the infill that covers the cuttings.
Due to adverse weather in March, work at the site was delayed, but began on March 27 when crews started to remove topsoil from the 2ft-thick concrete cap.
A temporary road from the main road to the air vent has been put in place to enable the machinery to reach the site.
The society added that membership has increased since the removal of the cap.
The project to reopen the Rhondda Tunnel has a number of highprofile supporters including Hollywood star Michael Sheen. The tunnel is currently owned by Highways England, which has said it is willing to hand it over to either the Welsh Government or the two local authorities – Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
In March the Rhondda Tunnel Society met with officials from the European Parliament in Brussels in their quest to reopen the 3,443-yard (3,148m) tunnel.