Pontypridd’s White Bridge could re-open up to targeted traffic in the summer season but it will never be fastened for a different 12 months

Pontypridd’s Berw Road Bridge may perhaps be equipped to re-open to targeted visitors this summer ahead of total repairs remaining accomplished in 2022.

The bridge, also identified regionally as the White Bridge, was seriously ruined all through Storm Dennis in February 2020 and has since remained shut.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council explained its situation is still staying monitored by consultants Redstart. As the framework is Outlined, the council is also operating closely with Cadw to get consent for any necessary repairs.

Redstart has appointed heritage engineers to operate with them in ongoing conversations with Cadw, but there are additional issues as there is a gasoline key furnishing a major provide by means of a pipe on the bridge.

So significantly exercise on-internet site has integrated a scour inspection and evaluation that has been carried out by specialist contractors, and all utilities have been eradicated from the bridge with the exception of Wales & West Utilities’ fuel key.

Go through additional about the local concerns in your location here:

The council has now verified it really is working in the direction of a two-stage repair scheme. The present-day program is for initial repairs to be undertaken around the future several months. Proposals are being geared up for a expert contractor to have out this do the job, which is predicted to final up to two months.

This perform needs a variety of permissions which the council is at present searching for, which include consent in relation to Mentioned structures and flood risk, although an otter study must also be carried out.

Talks are also ongoing with Normal Methods Wales as to when these repairs will be built, as the get the job done will incorporate exercise inside of the river, which implies restrictions could be in area in the course of the autumn and winter season months.

If all goes well the bridge could open to website traffic with loading restrictions by summer months 2021. A comprehensive refurbishment and restore venture will then commence, which could choose put during spring or summer time 2022. This get the job done would involve the bridge to be closed briefly.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Chief of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with obligation for Highways and Transportation, reported: “The council recognises the great importance of White Bridge to the area neighborhood, equally in phrases of its historic and cultural significance, as effectively as the essential function it plays in the regional street network.

“Today’s announcement, following more comprehensive inspection of the bridge, reveals that the council is committed to bringing it back into use – following the serious structural harm it sustained in the course of Storm Dennis.

“The restore approach is a pretty sophisticated just one for a variety of explanations – its spot in the river, its Listed position and the presence of a substantial gas major on the bridge.

“The council has been making development behind the scenes to concur the best way forward with husband or wife organisations, and to obtain the related consent to carry on. I am delighted that initial scour repairs getting planned for the coming months could result in the bridge staying reopened to website traffic just before the summer months – with a full mend plan being prepared for 2022.

“The council also continues to be fully commited to restoring the substantial infrastructure hurt from Storm Dennis, with development staying designed at a selection of critical destinations – which includes retaining wall repairs at Cardiff Highway in Treforest.

“We have also not long ago accomplished a Flood Threat Administration session to support officers collate regional knowledge, storm facts and historic facts about flooding in our communities. In overall, all around 300 people took portion, which is an outstanding reaction from the public.

“In the meantime, in December 2020, Cabinet Customers agreed 11 qualified suggestions to permit the council to assess how its readiness for excessive temperature can be further enhanced. The consultation was just one of various actions which have been taken as a consequence, such as location up a multi-company handle area very last thirty day period.

“Following today’s announcement about White Bridge in Pontypridd, the council will communicate even more information and facts about the preliminary section of operate in due course – when we have a company indication on when it’s able to begin.”