Major junction works to A4059/Cwm Cynon Industrial Estate
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council begin significant works on the A4059/Cwm Cynon Industrial Estate junction, in the next major phase of the Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link Scheme.
The flagship Scheme, to be delivered in 2019/20, will see a 60 metre bridge built from the industrial estate to Miskin Road – over the river and Aberdare-Cardiff railway line. It will provide a key link for traffic on the A4059 and B4275, relieving congestion at the existing Mountain Ash bridge and the wider Cynon Valley corridor.
The Council has previously announced that, as part of the wider scheme, Numbers 1 and 2 Miskin Cottages on Miskin Road, and adjacent garages, will be demolished from Monday, October 16. To ensure public safety, this work requires the closure of the one-way section of Miskin Road until November 22.
The Council will also start work to the A4059/Cwm Cynon Industrial Estate junction from Monday, October 16. Site clearance works began in the local area at the end of September.
The work will widen the A4059 carriageway where it meets the industrial estate. It will introduce new lanes on this section of road – an additional lane (in both directions) for traffic continuing ahead to maximise traffic flows, and additional lanes for traffic turning into the industrial estate (from both directions).
Following detailed traffic modelling, the access to the new Cross Valley Link will consist of a traffic-controlled junction with additional ahead merge lanes and dedicated turn lanes. The modelling showed that if a roundabout was constructed at this location then considerable delays on the A4059 could be caused by turning traffic blocking north or southbound flows.
The planned major signal controlled junction manages flows more efficiently and is safer for pedestrians.
The project also involves the construction of a new retaining wall and new street lighting; whilst the footway linking to the Cynon Trail will be widened. This footway will eventually be extended to link to Miskin Road, on completion of the wider Cross Valley Link Scheme.
The A4059/Cwm Cynon Industrial Estate junction will become a traffic-light operated junction following the works. Meanwhile, a dedicated right turn centre lane to the junction into Mary Street, Newtown, will also be constructed.
The works are scheduled for completion in Spring 2018. Traffic management will be required at various points of the project, and the Council will notify residents before these are due to come into effect.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, said: “Works will soon get underway on the A4059 junction in the next major project as part of the wider Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link Scheme, which is progressing well. The junction will become a vital component of the scheme.
“This is so far the biggest project to be delivered on site within the wider Cross Valley Link Scheme, and residents and road users will see for themselves the progress being made in the coming weeks and months. I’m pleased the Council is delivering this major project – a long-term aspiration for Cynon Valley residents.”
The Council would like to thank residents for their cooperation throughout the works, which will require traffic management. The Council will work closely with its contractor to deliver the major project with as minimal disruption to commuters and local residents as possible.
