The Council will soon undertake an important scheme to repair and future-proof the pictured river wall near Aberdare Railway Station and the Sobell leisure centre site.
The main scheme will get underway from Monday, May 18, with a single-day footpath closure. The main repairs will then be undertaken over three weeks, following directly on.
Inspections of the river walls along this section of the Afon Cynon were recently undertaken, and they found severe scour damage at this location that has exposed the structure’s foundations. An emergency repair scheme is required to ensure the wall’s stability.
On Monday, the Council’s contractor Edwards Diving Services will undertake vegetation clearance, placing a crane on the footpath between the railway station and the Sobell site, and using a pontoon within the river.
The footpath will need to be closed for one day (May 18). An alternative route for pedestrians is via the underpass near the leisure centre car park, Cwmbach Road and Abernant Road.
The wider wall repair scheme will then follow directly on, accessing the river by removing a section of the wall’s parapet, installing scaffolding, and using a crane from the footpath above to transport materials.
Some elements of the work may require the footpath closure to be repeated. The alternative route for pedestrians will be clearly signposted during these instances.
The scheme has been funded through the Council’s revenue budget.
Thanks to the community in advance for your cooperation.
Posted on 14/05/2026