Work to replace Tynybryn Footbridge has progressed well and the new bridge will be lifted into place on Friday night, subject to weather conditions – requiring an overnight road closure on the A4119 between the Thomastown and Tonyrefail roundabouts.
The Council began important work in June to replace Tynybryn Footbridge in Tonyrefail as part of a wider scheme, which is also realigning the river channel nearby and carrying out embankment repairs. The overall scheme aims to rectify significant scour damage to the River Ely at this location, improving flows, and reduce the risk of further damage occurring in the future.
The footbridge provides a key link across the river, supporting a local walking and cycling route between Tynybryn Road and the A4119 underpass. The structure has been demolished and will be replaced by an active travel-compliant alternative with an improved alignment. Associated footway and street lighting works will also be completed as part of the main scheme.
Most recently on site, blockstone embankment protection has been completed either side of the culvert beneath the A4119. Both abutments for the new footbridge have been constructed, ready for the bridge to be lifted into place.
The footbridge installation will take place overnight on Friday evening into Saturday morning, subject to weather conditions. This will require a road closure of the A4119 between Thomastown and Tonyrefail roundabouts – from 8pm on Friday, November 17, to 6am on Saturday, November 18.
The closure is needed to position a crane in the road to lift the new bridge into place. An alternative route for motorists will be clearly signposted – via A4093 Parc Eirin, B4278 Gilfach Road, Penrhiwfer Road, Williamstown Roundabout and the A4119. Access for emergency service vehicles cannot be maintained.
Contractor Balfour Beatty have put advanced warning signs in place on the A4119, and have delivered letters to local residents living near the works location – to explain the works and to provide contact details for the site team.
After the footbridge is installed, the remaining work will include constructing new footways, reinstating street lighting columns, completing concrete repairs to the subway, and landscaping works. The Council will provide a further update once the scheme is nearing full completion. Please note, the ongoing shuttle bus arrangements will continue for the duration of the scheme.
The Tynybryn Footbridge replacement is included in a programme of Storm Dennis repairs in Rhondda Cynon Taf during 2023/24, which is wholly-funded by Welsh Government. Among the key schemes being progressed this year within this funding programme include the Castle Inn Bridge replacement in Treforest, and the Berw Road (White Bridge) repair scheme in Pontypridd.
