The replacement Riverside Footbridge in Llwydcoed has opened.
It provides an improved structure for the community and will ensure the key local link to and from the Cynon Trail will remain available.
The footbridge is located at the southern end of Lon Las. The old timber structure was found to be in poor condition and needed to be replaced. The Council’s work scheme, funded through Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund for 2024/25, started on site last summer.
The new bridge, which is wider than the previous one, was delivered to the site in several components. It was lifted into place during the autumn. Final activities in recent weeks have included resurfacing the pathway, and the installation of a ramp guard rail. The footbridge was opened to members of the public last week.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “This local link to the south of Llwydcoed has now been restored for the community, having replaced an old structure with a modern, wider and more suitable alternative. The key route over the river enables direct access to the Cynon Trail between Trecynon and Penywaun – as we continue to promote Active Travel as a key priority in partnership with the Welsh Government.
“Encouraging residents to walk and cycle every day has many advantages, from increasing people’s health and well-being to protecting the environment. The £6.2m allocation from the 2024/25 Active Travel Fund is enabling us to develop and progress several infrastructure schemes this year – including Cynon Trail enhancements at Cwmbach, Taff Trail upgrades at Trallwn, and further delivery and design work for the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route.
“I’d like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation during the Riverside Bridge closure, particularly those residents living nearby. There has been an unavoidable delay towards the end of the construction phase, but I’m pleased that the new footbridge has now been completed and opened, and that the popular Cynon Trail link is available and secured for the future.”
