Exciting news as major multi-million-pound schemes get the green light.
A multi-million-pound programme of investment is set to take place to improve bus and rail links in the Pontypridd and wider Taff Ely area.
In autumn 2013 the Welsh Government confirmed plans for a South Wales Metro system that will provide improvements to bus and rail links across south east Wales.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has now secured a further £2.4m investment via the Welsh Government’s South Wales Metro project for Sardis Road Gyratory and Upper Boat Gyratory. This is on top of the £6.9m already received from the Welsh Government from other funding sources.
Welsh Government allocated £62m for phase one to improve bus and rail links, including rail infrastructure improvements, station upgrades, park and ride schemes, bus corridor works and walking and cycling schemes across the South Wales area.
Both schemes provide further enhancements to the award winning Pontypridd to Cardiff Bus Priority Corridor Improvements Project that have been implemented by Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC.
The latest works that have now begun – will see improvements made along the busy Sardis Road Gyratory. The works will include the installation of the latest traffic signal technology which will link existing traffic signals within Pontypridd town network. This will enable the system to automatically respond to changing demands, optimise traffic flows and make better use of the existing road system.
The latest planned works are being carried out by contractors, CentreGreat and will begin with improvement works to pedestrian crossings near YGG Evan James. In order to minimise any disruption to traffic and pedestrians, works will take place mostly at night.
These works will be shortly followed by the commencement of Phase 2 of the Improvements to Upper Boat Gyratory. This work will begin in September and is thanks to the recent announcement by Welsh Government that a further £1.66m has been awarded to the scheme. This brings the total Welsh Government funding for Upper Boat junction improvements together with other improvements along the A470 corridor at Nantgarw, Tongwynlais and Whitchurch to £5.1m – this includes funding from other Welsh Government funding streams.
The Upper Boat Gyratory works involve introducing traffic signals on other key arms of the gyratory and will have the benefit of managing queues that build up onto the A470. The scheme will have a positive effect on bus journey times and journey time reliability.
In order to maximise the value of this funding and to reduce disruption, the Council is funding additional works to Upper Boat gyratory which will see improvements to the road surfacing around the junction together with major structural maintenance works to the bridge over the River Taf leading to the A473 carried out under the same contract. The Council is committing £0.7m to insure this vital piece of infrastructure continues to be able to deal with the massive volumes of traffic passing through it every day.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, said: “We greatly welcome news of further external funding to be invested in our transport system throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf. This will undoubtedly be welcomed by all those who regularly use public transport.
“The additional investment will now allow us the opportunity to continue with projects that have helped reduce bus journey times for local passengers, enhance facilities for pedestrians and improve traffic flow.
“The work will be carried out alongside our own multi-million-pound Highways Investment Programme which underlines our commitment to provide safe, well-maintained and effective road networks. This is crucial not only for the wellbeing of those who live and work here, but also for securing future investment and regeneration opportunities.
“The previous works we carried out in Pontypridd were extremely well received by bus operators, users and motorists alike. With our team even gaining recognition via a national award. It is hoped that the next phase of these works will build on this success and help keep Pontypridd traffic moving.
“As with any works, there could be some minor disruption to the highway, but these are being kept to an absolute minimum, with works being carried out at night where possible. I would urge the travelling public to bear with us whilst the works are being carried out as it is for their longer term benefit.”
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