Repairs completed to culturally important bridge in the Cynon Valley

RCT Council has now completed a significant repair scheme to the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge, which is located off the Cynon Trail between Trecynon and Hirwaun. The repairs have been sympathetically delivered across two phases of work, respecting the structure’s Scheduled Monument status.

The historic bridge spans the Afon Cynon at a location to the north-west of the former Mayhew Chicken Factory site, and the work has been carried out with minimal disruption to the community due to its location away from residential areas. The main Cynon Trail route has also remained unaffected throughout.

Phase one work was previously completed during 2022/23 – this included site clearance, vegetation removal from the structure, re-setting loose stones, replacing missing stones, and rebuilding the top of the wingwalls and spandrel walls. Abutment scour repairs were also undertaken as part of the phase one work, along with the replacement of the fencing on top of the structure.

Phase two works have since followed on, and they have been progressed throughout 2023 and 2024. They included masonry repairs and repointing work, as well as scour protection and blockstone work to the north-east wingwall, and repointing and rebuilding a section of the north-west wingwall.

New fencing and gates have been installed off the nearby section of the Cynon Trail, while associated drainage work was also delivered on this shared path. The overall scheme was completed by the end of September 2024.

Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “In respect of the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge’s important cultural significance, this scheme was designed to repair the historic structure, prevent its future deterioration, and safeguard its original features. It follows the sympathetic restoration of another bridge that is a celebrated Scheduled Monument – the early 1800s Iron Tram Bridge located nearby in Trecynon – that was completed last year.

“Both phases of the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge scheme were delivered via the Council’s Highways Capital Programme, with an investment across several financial years. It has been completed in 2024/25 using funding earmarked for Parks Structures. This is separate to this year’s muti-million pound investment in Highway Structures, that has enabled us to progress major schemes like the Rhigos Mountain Road repairs and Margaret Street wall in Pontygwaith.

“We are also delivering a £3.61m Storm Dennis repair programme in 2024/25, wholly funded by Welsh Government. It has enabled us to complete repairs to White Bridge in Pontypridd and Castle Inn Footbridge in Treforest – while the Feeder Pipe Footbridge replacement near Abercynon is progressing well.

“I’m pleased that the Gelli Isaf Tramroad Bridge scheme has now been completed. While the work was carried out over a prolonged period of time, it was important that we got this scheme right – especially given the cultural significance of the structure. Its remote location has also ensured there was minimal disruption to the wider community. Thanks to residents and Cynon Trail users for your patience as this important repair scheme was completed.”