Progress update on repair scheme at Blaen-y-Cwm Road
Written by Gavin on 25th September 2020
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has provided an update on the significant and complex scheme to repair the river wall at Blaen-y-Cwm Road which was damaged by Storm Dennis – with the first phase of work now underway.
In mid-February 2020 the structure, which supports the adjacent highway, collapsed during the unprecedented storm event which affected many areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf. The damaged section of wall was cordoned off and monitored closely, with inspections concluding that the road – the only access for motorists into and out of Blaencwm – could stay open under traffic lights.
The Council has appointed Hammonds Ltd as the contractor to carry out the first identified stage of work. This will include repairs to the parapet walls, scour repairs and repairs to the main retaining wall. This work has started recently and will last around eight weeks – subject to weather conditions.
Temporary two-way traffic lights will remain in place. The length of the traffic management area will decrease as the scheme progresses, as sections of the wall are repaired in turn. All work will adhere to social distancing guidelines.
A second stage of work is needed to carry out more substantial repairs at this location in the future. This is currently scheduled to take place in spring 2021.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “The river wall at Blaen-y-Cwm Road was one of many structures which sustained substantial damage during the unprecedented storm events earlier this year. It requires a very complex repair scheme due to the presence of the river, water supply and sewer pipes, and also the need to keep the road open for motorists throughout.
“The damage was inspected thoroughly, and was closely monitored in the weeks and months following Storm Dennis. The road was kept safely open under two-way traffic lights. I’m pleased that the first stage of repairs to rectify the damage is now underway, with the second phase to follow next year.
“The wall is one of around 1,500 highway structures across the County Borough which the Council is responsible for maintaining, through targeted investment. This summer, important progress has been made on a number of
schemes – including Castell Ifor Bridge in Hopkinstown, St Albans Bridge in Blaenrhondda, Station Street Bridge and river wall in Treherbert and Victoria Bridge in Pontypridd. In August, retaining wall schemes got underway at Gwawr Street in Aberaman and at B4273 Ynysybwl Road.
“The Council will work closely with its contractor to complete the works at Blaen-y-Cwm road as quickly and efficiently as possible. This stage should last around eight weeks, subject to weather and of course the ongoing circumstances in relation to the Coronavirus national emergency.”