Improving the Taff Trail between Trallwn and Cilfynydd

Aims

In 2021/22, Rhondda Cynon Taf re-aligned a section of the Taff Trail between Trallwn and Clifynydd. This was in response to significant storm damage.

The aims were to:

improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle.
promote access to local communities.

Description

The path between Trallwn and Cilfynydd along the Taff Trail was prone to flooding and this often resulted in route closure. It became necessary to deliver an improved path to ensure safety and promote access for pedestrians and cyclists. The location of the new and improved path was decided with help from public consultation and engagement.

The project (funded by the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund) implemented a three-metre-wide path built on higher ground with lower flood risk, conforming to current Active Travel Design Guidance. The project is a continuation of the council’s work to improve routes along the Taff Trail. The path reopened to the public on 18 March 2022, and provides a link from Clfynydd to the Nant Cae Dudwg footbridge which was upgraded in 2019/20.

Lessons learnt

Working with external stakeholders, such as Sustrans, ensured that the project was of a high standard with successful promotion and consultation strategies.

Site clearing took longer than anticipated, which needs to be considered in timelines for future projects.

Land access for leaseholders proved complicated. However, going forward, the local authority has put in place policies to ease this process.

Costs exceeded funding. However, the local authority is working with TfW to address the impact of inflation and supply chain issues.

Outputs

The improved route between Trallwn and Cilfynydd has created better access to local communities and safeguarded a section of the well-used Taff Trail. Effective public engagement and consultation ensured that the new route met the needs of local communities. The project was well received on the local authority’s social media channels and provides opportunity to encourage more people to walk, wheel or cycle their everyday journeys.

The public engagement strategy included using the Council’s social media channels and website to inform the public about the work starting and finishing. A video showing the completed route was also included in the press release.

Monitoring data shows that there has been an increase in footfall since the path has been reopened.