Summer programme of repairs to Maerdy Mountain route

Written by on 20th June 2022

Maerdy Mountain Road will close this summer to undertake the third phase of significant work, rectifying scour damage at a section of the slope below the highway – to ensure the road is safe and available for motorists into the future.

The A4233, between Graig Place in Aberdare and Station Road in Maerdy, will close from Monday, July 4 to Monday, September 5, with preparations taking place on site a week earlier from June 27. As an alternative route, motorists should proceed via the A4233, route A4058 to Pontypridd, the A470, and route A4059 to Aberdare – or follow this route in reverse order.

This summer’s work is the latest within the Council’s significant maintenance programme to future-proof the mountain route, which was damaged by Storm Dennis. While RCT Council understands that this work is disruptive, it is the difference between the road being open into the future and it being closed indefinitely.

RCT Council has produced answers to Frequently Asked Questions in relation to this summer’s work, which are available to view here.

This summer’s work includes anchoring the slope below the highway as well as installing a surface retaining structure – at the hairpins on the Aberdare side of the route. This will rectify significant scour damage which is clearly visible on the hillside. The roadside vehicle barrier will need to be removed for this work, with specialist systems to access the slope being utilised.

The barrier removal and physical constraints on site mean the work cannot be completed while the road remains open under traffic management. Work also cannot take place overnight due to difficult access conditions. The work is scheduled for the summer as there is likely to be less traffic using the road, and to minimise disruption to the school autumn term starting in September.

The Council is currently finalising its alternative bus arrangements for the work period – and will communicate these to residents when they are confirmed.

Thanks to residents and road users for their cooperation during the upcoming closure to carry out this important repair work to the Maerdy Mountain route – to rectify damage to the slope, and to make it more resilient to future storm events. The Council will keep residents up-to-date with the progress made.


Current track

Title

Artist

Current show

Valleys Breakfast

06:00 09:59

Current show

Valleys Breakfast

06:00 09:59

Upcoming show

Valleys Breakfast

06:00 09:59

Background