Work to assess the damage to Feeder Pipe footbridge in Abercynon
The Council will begin important work from Monday to progress the scheme to replace the storm-damaged Feeder Pipe footbridge, located between Abercynon and Quakers Yard.
The footbridge spans the River Taff between Tramroad in Quakers Yard and the footpath leading to Alexandra Place in Abercynon – and it sustained severe damage during Storm Dennis in February 2020. The structure and footpath were necessarily closed with immediate effect to ensure safety.
The structure was further damaged by a fire shortly after Storm Dennis. The Council has since removed a significant amount of debris that had collected against the bridge, and appointed a specialist contractor which carried out a thorough inspection of its condition.
From Monday, September 21, the damaged footbridge will be removed. The Council has appointed S. Evans and Sons as the contractor responsible for carrying out this work. A detailed inspection of the original feeder pipes will then be undertaken.
Meanwhile, the design and planning for a replacement bridge will continue – incorporating the feeder pipes if it is possible to do so. The Council continues to work closely with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council on the scheme.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “The Council recognises the local importance of Feeder Pipe footbridge and has committed to replacing the bridge following damage from Storm Dennis. The removal of the bridge from Monday will allow the feeder pipes to be more closely inspected, in the hope that they can become a feature of the new structure.
“More than 1,000 reports of Storm Dennis-related flooding have been investigated, along with around 500 others in separate storm events in the weeks and months which followed. Around 30km of watercourse assets have been inspected – the majority of which were underground – and more than 1,000 tonnes of debris removed. The Council continues to assess the significant damage to structures, and plan for repair or replacement projects.
“The upcoming work to the Feeder Pipe footbridge is anticipated to cause minimal disruption to residents, who are reminded the structure and nearby footpath remain closed to ensure safety. The Council will work closely with its contractor and with colleagues at Merthyr Council to progress this scheme.”