**UPDATED, 05/05/22 – additional bus service.
The Council has answered Frequently Asked Questions about the significant work to repair a large wall at High Street in Llantrisant – including why the temporary one-way traffic system is needed in its current form.
Following the deterioration of the large wall, the Council responded swiftly to assess the damage, commission designs and appoint a specialist contractor to rebuild and repair the structure. From April 20, a one-way traffic system was implemented at Church Street and High Street, to safeguard all road users, but particularly pedestrians, while these complex emergency works progress.
Full details about the traffic management and subsequent alternative routes, along with temporary bus arrangements, are included here.
Following feedback received from the public, the series of questions and answers below aim to provide the community with further information about the ongoing works – particularly in relation to the duration of the scheme and the nature of the new traffic arrangements which came into force on April 20.
What is the length of the scheme?
The scheme is being progressed as a matter of urgency. Work has been ongoing for four weeks, which is around a quarter of the works programme. The scheme is currently on course for completion during mid-summer 2022.
Why is the scheme taking so long?
Work to partially rebuild and repair the main wall at High Street is complicated by the presence of a fence above the wall, and another wall sitting behind this fence. It means that the contractor can only work on small sections at a time, to ensure all three elements aren’t compromised and the main wall doesn’t collapse. Water ballast and scaffolding must therefore be rearranged before contractors can move onto new sections of the wall. This is time-consuming, but the alternative would be to demolish and rebuild all three structures – likely requiring a full road closure, leading to more significant traffic disruption and a substantially longer works duration.
Why were the traffic arrangements changed?
The traffic light system initially put in place resulted in many instances where vehicles were mounting the pavements to pass queuing traffic, putting pedestrians at risk. The Council could not ignore this as road safety is paramount, and had no option but to implement additional traffic management on an emergency basis.
Why can’t the one-way system run in the opposite direction instead?
The one-way system now in place was assessed to be the least disruptive when all factors are considered. Home to School transport is a key consideration, as it would be very difficult to manage the changes needed if the one-way system was in the opposite direction. It would require additional drivers and buses at a time when they are very difficult to source – ultimately putting the provision at risk, at the time of the year when many learners have examinations. We understand businesses’ concerns, and Officers are available to help as best they can with any issues they are encountering.
What are the temporary bus arrangements in place?
Local bus services travelling towards Talbot Green and the Royal Glamorgan Hospital are not affected by these traffic arrangements. Passengers travelling to Llantrisant from the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Talbot Green and beyond should travel northbound to Beddau Square on Edwards Service 100 or NAT Group Service 404, and then connect with either service 100 or 404 to travel back to Llantrisant Old Town. The Council has arranged for the bus operators NAT Group and Edwards Coaches to allow passengers to transfer at no extra charge when making their journeys back to Old Llantrisant. Notices on the buses and at the bus stops promote these arrangements.
**What about any additional bus services?
The Council can confirm that, following the feedback received, it has reviewed the current bus provision and identified further enhancements. From Wednesday, May 4, a free shuttle bus service to Llantrisant Old Town is being operated by Edwards Coaches (Monday to Friday only). Journeys from Talbot Green Bus Station will run at two-hourly intervals between 10am and 4pm. It will travel over Llantrisant Common, calling at Gwaun Rupera Sheltered Housing Complex, Heol Gwynno and Swan Street to the Bull Ring. From there, it will travel via Newbridge Road, Dan Caerlan, Brynteg and finally Beddau Square – for connections with the Edwards 90 and 100 Services to Pontypridd, and the NAT Group 404 Service to Pontypridd via Penycoedcae.
The Council would like to thank residents, businesses and commuters for their continued cooperation as this emergency repair scheme is further progressed. We recognise that the necessary traffic arrangements now in place are disruptive to the community, and we appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.
Posted on 29/04/2022