RCTC Highways Scheme Mends Bridges!
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council repairing bridges, but when are they going to build the two bridges at Mountain Ash?
Below RCTC press releases
County Borough’s bridges will see repairs thanks to the ongoing multi-million-pound Highways Investment Scheme.
The latest phase of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s multi-million-pound Highways Investment Scheme, will see over £1.9m invested in the County Borough’s bridges during 2015/16.
A further £5.289m of funding has been allocated to undertake repairs to the highway infrastructure, including street lighting, safety fencing, drainage, structures, carriageway and footway works during this current financial year.
Rhondda Cynon Taf has almost 500 bridges which form part of the County Borough’s highways infrastructure. Thanks to the investment scheme a number of those bridges that are in need of work will be repaired this financial year.
The following six bridges are either currently being repaired or are due to be repaired shortly –
Schemes about to start imminently (September 2015) include –
- Replacement of Rhiwsaeson Bridge
- Strengthening works at Upper Boat Bridge
- Remedial works to Royal Oak Bridge, Abercynon.
Design works are ongoing for further schemes at –
- Gyfeillion Bridge (Barry Sidings), Hopkinstown
- Fiddler’s Elbow Viaduct, Abercynon
- Aberaman Bridge
As these bridges form an intergral part of the highway network, some diversions and or traffic management may have to be implemented; whist essential repair works are being undertaken but rest assured the Council will minimise disruption where possible, with some works being undertaken at night. The Council would urge the travelling public to exercise patience, as these works are for their longer term benefit.
This year’s £5.289M investment is on top of the staggering £29.648m already invested since 2011 which will see the total investment rise to almost £35M – making this the largest investment in Wales and further demonstrates the Council’s commitment to investing in its infrastructure, despite extensive budget cuts from the UK Government.
Over 210 miles of highway have already been resurfaced thanks to the multi-million-pound scheme and over 80 streets/roads are now set to benefit during 2015/16.
The scheme has also resulted in various highways benefiting from resurfacing and or patching. The latest areas to benefit are Rhigos Mountain Road, Cliff Street Mountain Ash, Illan Avenue, Rhydyfelin and the A4054 Gyratory, Treforest.
Leader of the Council ,Councillor Andrew Morgan, who is also the Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, said:
"The Council has recognised the concerns expressed by the public at the damage caused from the harsh winters we have experienced and it is for that very reason we are once again investing in our roads during 2015/16 and beyond.
“Our significant investment of £29.648m since 2011 has already made a substantial difference to residents and the announcement that a further £5.289m has been allocated demonstrates the Council’s on-going commitment to investing in the infrastructure within the County Borough despite ongoing cuts to public sector funding.
“The highway improvements have taken place right across Rhondda Cynon Taf with every ward of the County Borough benefiting.
“The total investment since 2011 will now rise to almost £35m and see even more streets, roads and structures benefit from the successful scheme. The Council realises the importance of a robust highways infrastructure and the fact that this investment not only improves our highway network but also supports local jobs and growth. It is for these reasons that the Council will continue to invest where it matters despite a future of cuts ahead. ”
170,000 pot holes have also been filled and patched in addition to the scheme, with over £1m per year being spent as part of the Council’s general revenue and maintenance budget.
Over 1500 streets and roads have benefited from the investment so far, including 186 footways being resurfaced and replaced. This scheme ensures residents and motorists can see a marked improvement as they travel around the County Borough.
As the scheme drives forward the Council is urging residents to continue to support the scheme by taking heed of the temporary traffic signs e.g. no road markings, reduced speed limits and diversions whilst these essential works are carried out as it is for their safety and longer term benefit.
For further information on the Highways Investment Scheme or to report a pot hole in your area call 01443 425001 or visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/highwaysinvestment
