Improved bridge between town centre and historic active travel trail
In 2022, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council decided to improve the existing infrastructure and build a new bridge connecting the Taff Trail to Merthyr Tydfil town centre.
The aims were:
- to build a new bridge at Rhydycar to promote active travel between Merthyr Tydfil town centre and the Taff trail.
- to allow people to use the bridge for walking, wheeling and cycling.
Description
The council decided that a new bridge needed to be built across the River Taff at Rhydycar. They noted that this is an important link between the Taff Trail and Merthyr Tydfil town centre for cyclists and pedestrians, but the current structure was too narrow (1.5 metres) to allow for shared use.
The council agreed to build a new bridge with a width of 3.5 metres and place this further north, so the old bridge could be kept open while routes were being diverted.
A new curb line was added to replace the old crossing point opposite the old bridge. A new wide priority crossing was added further north to provide a straighter alignment for active travel routes from Rhydycar Bridge to key destinations.
Work that was completed before the bridge was constructed also included flood risk assessments, an ecology report and the diversion of water works. Some trees and shrubs had to be removed to protect nesting birds that would have been impacted by the works.
Costs
The total cost of the scheme was £1,039,722.00.
Lessons learnt
Costs were much higher than anticipated, requiring the council to descope the scheme. The council ended up delivering the original scope over a 2 two-year period. Year One - the design and installation of the new bridge and abutments. Year Two - construction of the connecting links, diversion of utilities and removing the old bridge.
The location of an underground subway on the site was not anticipated, so the new bridge had to be moved slightly further north, leading to a minor change in the design.
There were challenges finding a local contractor to commit to the project, requiring the council to use a company based in Shrewsbury (Beaver Bridges).
Events such as the Merthyr half marathon and the park run (every Saturday) continued during the construction phase. The Taff Trail had to remain open other than when vehicles needed to move in and out of the site.
Outputs
The Rhydycar Bridge was completed on time. The width of the bridge increased significantly compared to the old structure, which has allowed more people to use it at once.
The project has spurred plans to develop another walking, wheeling and cycling bridge, Glebeland Bridge. This will be placed to the north of Rhydycar Bridge, opposite the college.
The project has given a new impetus to celebrate Merthyr Tydfil and the nearby Taff Trail, both as desirable destinations that can be reached by active travel, and as gateways to the Brecon Beacons.
Image of the old Rhydycar bridge before any work has taken place.
Image of the new Rhydycar bridge.
Installation of the new bridge.
Removal of old bridge.
Video
