New arrangements for Llanharan Railway Footbridge removal

Written by on 11th January 2022

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is working closely with Network Rail to rearrange the removal of the Llanharan Railway Footbridge – and advanced notice is now being given for the work, taking place across two night shifts later this month.

The footbridge adjacent to A473 Bridgend Road is in very poor condition, and as part of the replacement process the existing structure was scheduled to be removed on Boxing Day – taking advantage of Network Rail’s line closure over the festive period. However, a mechanical failure of a contractor’s crane on the day of the work prevented the removal from going ahead as planned.

The work has now been rearranged to take place over two nights, to minimise disruption to rail services and the community. Site activity will take place on:

  • Thursday, January 20 (evening) – the crane will be constructed in its previous position, with no road closure required for this activity.
  • Saturday, January 22 (evening) to Sunday, January 23 (7am) – the footbridge will be removed. This requires the closure of the A473 at this location (midnight to 7am), mirroring the planned closure on Boxing Day but for a shorter duration of time (details below).

An alternative route for motorists is via A473 Bridgend Road, A473 New Road, Pen-y-Bont Roundabout, Brynna Road and Hillside Avenue – or this route taken in reverse order. A map outlining the closure is available here.

Pedestrians should use the adjacent footbridge during the closure period – with the alternative route via Llanharan Railway Station Access Road, Llanharan Station Footbridge and Chapel Road, in both directions.

Local residents will shortly receive a letter outlining the new arrangements.

We would like to thank residents and commuters for their cooperation during the upcoming work, which is part of the Council’s commitment to replacing the damaged structure at the earliest opportunity. Once the demolition work is completed, focus can then turn to the construction of the new footbridge which is due to commence on site early February 2022. Further details about this will be communicated by the Council in due course.


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