The Council has issued an update on the Castle Inn Bridge in Treforest – and is working closely with both Cadw and NRW to develop a programme of works for the structure to be replaced and reopened in the future.
The Listed footbridge has remained closed due to the severe structural damage it sustained during Storm Dennis in February 2020 – which brought record rainfall and river flows to Rhondda Cynon Taf and the most severe flooding since the 1970s.
In the aftermath of Storm Dennis, the Council has completed, is currently progressing works, or plans to carry out minor works at over 100 locations across the County Borough.
In May this year, the Council announced that it was undertaking investigatory work on the structure and can now confirm that a programme to install a replacement bridge is being developed, with the Council’s consultants, Redstart, progressing design work on a new bridge and associated works.
All surveys have now been completed and the subsequent reports are due to be submitted to Cadw and the Welsh Government shortly. The project is due to go out to tender by Christmas, and it is intended that the main bridge works will commence in Spring/Summer 2022, with all work then envisaged to be completed by Winter 2022.
Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, Councillor Andrew Morgan, said: “The Council has worked closely with Cadw, the Welsh Government and other organisations to assess options for the future of the Castle Inn bridge following the severe damage sustained by the structure during the devastating flooding brought by Storm Dennis.
“Unfortunately, the extent of the damage requires a new bridge structure to be installed in order for its long term future to be secured, and the Council’s consultants are progressing design work on a new bridge and associated works.
“It is envisaged that work will commence on site in the Spring of 2022, and the Council will issue a further update in due course.”
Posted on 17/09/2021