The Council is providing an update on the proposed Cynon Gateway Link Road scheme – a major transportation investment in the north of the Cynon Valley that remains a commitment. A procurement process is underway to appoint the main contractor, with detailed design work planned to start next year.
The proposed project will deliver a new 1.2km link road connecting the A4059 Aberdare Bypass (at a point between Trecynon and Penywaun roundabouts) to the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road (at Croesbychan). The strategic scheme has many advantages – strengthening north-south transport links, improving access across the area, easing traffic congestion in Llwydcoed and other local routes, and supporting economic growth within the Cynon Valley.
Earlier this year, the Council welcomed a significant allocation of £2.01 million to develop the project in 2026/27, from Welsh Government through the Cardiff Capital Region. This was in addition to the £603,000 identified in the Council’s Highways and Engineering 2026/27 Capital Programme, agreed in March.
Latest update - progress being made behind the scenes
Officers have started an important procurement process to appoint a main contractor to design and build the future project, and to deliver this significant investment for the benefit of local communities. The conclusion of this process and the final contract award are expected to take place during 2027 – the Council will keep residents up-to-date with the progress of this process.
Once this has been completed, the Council proposes to appoint a contractor to develop the scheme’s detailed design. Subject to the contractor’s proposals, this phase could include the first activity taking place on the ground, with advanced works supporting the design phase.
The Council remains committed to delivering this scheme in the future, to improve connectivity and support future growth. The project has been revised following publication of the Roads Review report in February 2023, to ensure it aligns closely with Welsh Government’s Transport Policy.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Capital Infrastructure, said:“Following the Council and Welsh Government’s separate funding allocations to develop the Cynon Gateway Link Road throughout 2026/27, this latest progress update looks ahead to the next major milestone. Officers have started an extensive procurement process to appoint the main contractor that will be responsible for delivering this multi-million pound investment. Once the contract is awarded next year, the detailed design phase will be able to start, and this may involve the first works on site to support the detailed design work.
“I’d like to assure residents that this project remains an absolute commitment for the Council, while it is also a key part of the Cardiff Capital Region’s five-year Regional Transport Plan. We understand that the project is vital to improve connectivity, to support economic growth in the Cynon Valley, and to tackle transport challenges in surrounding communities. For example, the scheme will reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety in Llwydcoed.
“We have an excellent recent track record of delivering major transportation projects – having successfully completed the A4119 Coed Ely dualling and the Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link in recent years. We’re currently developing the Cynon Gateway Link Road alongside the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor, with both schemes being revised following the Roads Review. Thank you to communities for your patience as the revised projects are developed. It’s important that we take the time to get them right, so they meet the current transportation challenges and are delivered to have the most effective impact.
“The Council will continue to keep residents up-to-date with all key milestones relating to the Cynon Gateway Link Road scheme, including news of the main contractor being appointed – which is anticipated during the period ahead.”
Find out more about our investment in Highways and Engineering through our #TransformingRCT campaign webpages.
Posted on 03/09/2026