Update on damage to the Gelligaled Park footbridge in Ystrad

The Council has provided an update on work required to repair the damaged footbridge from Pontrhondda Avenue into Gelligaled Park – including an important safety message in relation to the unsafe nature of the works area. 

The bridge was closed in July following the discovery of significant structural damage. The closure was absolutely necessary for community safety. The bridge is fenced off, and an alternative route for pedestrians is signposted via Tyntyla Road.

The Council has received several reports of people climbing the fencing to gain access to the damaged bridge, and even an instance where people crawled onto a nearby service pipe bridge to gain access into the park. These actions are extremely dangerous and the public is advised, in the strongest possible terms, not to put themselves at risk in this way.

An initial assessment of the footbridge has found that the entire wingwall is compromised and unsupported, and the bridge abutment needs further investigation. Work has recently been completed to relocate the electricity pole from within the works area, and a nearby lamppost will also be removed in due course.

The next activity on site will see the Council’s contractor remove the damaged wingwall to allow for a thorough assessment of the abutment. Subject to the outcomes of these investigations the bridge is likely to remain closed for between three and ten weeks.

The Council would like to thank members of the community for their patience and cooperation while the footbridge’s condition is assessed. A further update will be issued in due course, once the condition of the bridge is ascertained.