Work to install a safer environment for pedestrians in Hirwaun has now been finished, including new and upgraded crossings that have been brought into use across three locations in the village. It completes the delivery of important Safe Routes in Communities investment over a two-year period.
Last year (2023/24), the Council used the first round of funding awarded by Welsh Government’s grant to deliver a range of speed reduction measures, improved facilities and new footways. A feasibility study was also undertaken into new controlled pedestrian crossings, to improve safety at key locations. These were subsequently delivered during 2024/25 – with further £379,350 Safe Routes funding allocated in May 2024 for the continuation of scheme.
The overall project was completed recently by the RCT Streetcare Team, and sub-contractor Calibre Contracting Ltd, by the end of March 2025. The work has included:
- An upgrade of the existing pedestrian crossing at the junction of Brecon Road and Harris Street.
- An extension of the ‘prohibition of waiting at any time’ restrictions on Harris Street, by introducing double yellow lines, to ensure the safety of the public on the approach to the new pedestrian crossing
- Implementation of two new zebra crossings at the scheme’s other two main work locations, at High Street and Rhigos Road.
Infrastructure work was completed at High Street/Davies Row between November and Christmas 2024, moving onto Rhigos Road/Brecon Road between January and mid-February 2025, and Harris Street/Brecon Road most recently – following work by Wales and West Utilities at this location.
The three crossings were then resurfaced in the week commencing Monday, March 17, with the Belisha beacons activated on March 25. This brought all three crossing points into use for the first time. All traffic management has now been removed by the contractor, signalling the end of the scheme.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “I’m pleased these new and upgraded pedestrian facilities are delivered in Hirwaun, using around £730,000 of funding from the Safe Routes in Communities programme over two years. The highway works have complemented the major investment in a brand new school building for Hirwaun in recent years, and will create safer environments to walk to and from school each morning and afternoon.
“Encouraging families to walk each day will improve people’s health and well-being, while also having a positive effect on the environment around us – by reducing emissions, shortening journey times, and improving road congestion. The work in Hirwaun has also targeted key locations to promote road safety.
“We continue to welcome Welsh Government funding for key projects like these. In 2024, the Council was supported to deliver Safe Routes schemes in Hawthorn and Church Village – also linked to local investments in improved school facilities. We’ve also bid for further funding in 2025/26, to complement our recently-approved Highways and Transportation Capital Programme.
“I’d like to thank residents in Hirwaun for their cooperation while the works were completed in recent months. The three new or upgraded crossing points are now installed and operational. Road users and pedestrians should take extra care to stay safe while getting used to the new local arrangements.”
Posted on 04/04/2025