Work will shortly resume on the second phase of repairs to the footbridge from Pontrhondda Avenue into Gelligaled Park in Ystrad. Works will be completed with minimal overall disruption – maintaining access across the bridge for the public, for the vast majority of the scheme.
The footbridge was damaged by Storm Dennis and then additional extensive damage was found last summer as a result of the structure’s monitoring – requiring a repair scheme to the wingwalls under an emergency closure. Phase one of the planned repair scheme then took place in autumn, to repair upper sections of the bridge. Phase two, to the underside of the structure, was scheduled for this summer due to seasonal restrictions on river working.
Phase two will commence from Monday, May 15, to complete masonry, concrete and scour repairs, along with parapet replacement, painting, street lighting improvements and final resurfacing of the footbridge. This work will be carried out by the Council’s contractor Centregreat Ltd, for around 12 weeks.
Pedestrian and cycle access will be maintained across the footbridge for the vast majority of the work. This will be achieved by installing scaffolding with a walkway through it. An unavoidable, one-day bridge closure will be required to resurface the footbridge, with pedestrians diverted along Tyntyla Road. Full details of the closure will be communicated by the Council nearer the time.
This scheme is included within a £20.1m programme, fully-funded by Welsh Government in 2023/24, for key infrastructure repairs following Storm Dennis.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “The second phase of maintenance work to the Gelligaled Park footbridge in Ystrad starts on May 15, and will ensure the structure is future-proofed for the benefit of the community. This follows the emergency structural repairs last summer, and phase one of this planned scheme that took place last autumn.
“It’s important to note that all remaining work can be carried out while safely maintaining access for pedestrians across the footbridge, except for a single day where the structure will need to be closed for resurfacing. The scheme will therefore cause minimal overall disruption to residents and visitors to the park, who will be able to use the normal access from Pontrhondda Avenue.
“The scheme is included within the local £20.1m programme for Storm Dennis repairs in 2023/24, funded by Welsh Government. Repairing and maintaining structures continues to be a significant area of investment for the Council, with £4.45m for Highways Structures and £780,000 for Parks Structures allocated in our Capital Programme for the year ahead. Key schemes to be progressed using this funding include Bodringallt Bridge in Ystrad, Imperial Bridge in Porth, Lanelay Bridge in Talbot Green and Graig Las Bridge in Hendreforgan.”
Posted on 05/05/2023