First pilot scheme to improve unadopted roads is now complete

The first scheme within the Council’s pilot project to improve and adopt seven private roads across Rhondda Cynon Taf is now complete – after resurfacing and drainage improvements were delivered at Trafalgar Terrace in Ystrad. 

Cabinet Members agreed to the pilot in September 2021, to carry out much-needed improvements at six privately-owned residential roads using £250,000 Council funding – plus an additional £50,000 as a contingency for the work.

The six locations agreed by Cabinet are Miner’s Row in Llwydcoed, Brecon Place in Aberaman, Heol Penrhiw in Mountain Ash, Hillside Terrace in Llwynypia, Trafalgar Terrace in Ystrad and Poet’s Close in Rhydyfelin. Members also noted that the Council was successful in securing £157,000 Welsh Government funding for a seventh scheme, at Belle Vue in Trecynon.

All seven locations are privately-owned roads in an unsatisfactory condition.

The required improvements range from paving to sewerage works, channelling and street lighting improvements. Once the work is completed, each road will be adopted by the Council for future maintenance.

The first scheme got underway on site last week at Trafalgar Terrace in Ystrad, and all drainage and resurfacing works have now been delivered.

The road was an historically-unadopted highway, despite it providing access to Ystrad Rhondda Railway Station and being near a care home. The work has vastly improved the road’s condition, for the benefit of the community.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “I’m pleased that the first scheme under our pilot project for unadopted roads is now complete – and it is clear to see the improvements which have been delivered at Trafalgar Terrace in Ystrad. The issue of maintaining private roads is a common problem, and often frustrating for residents, which is why we have brought forward funding to enable several pilot projects to happen.

“The six locations in the Council’s pilot, plus the seventh funded by Welsh Government, have been chosen for the varied nature of work required across the schemes. This will help inform the issues we would face if further investment is brought forward to tackle unadopted roads – and we will also be better placed to contribute to Welsh Government’s ongoing work in this area.

“The completed scheme in Ystrad will result in the road being adopted by the Council, so its need for future maintenance can be assessed by the Council and delivered through our Highways Capital Programme. We’ll be looking to start work to deliver the other six schemes included in the pilot projects over the coming weeks and months, for the benefit of residents and communities.”