Contractor now appointed to deliver major A4119 transport scheme

RCT Council has now appointed a contractor to deliver the A4119 dualling scheme from Coed Ely to Ynysmaerdy – and can confirm that the main construction phase is on course to start on site in late summer 2022.

The A4119 project is a major transportation scheme to improve connectivity and encourage economic activity into the valleys – providing 1.5km of dual carriageway from Coed Ely Roundabout to Llantrisant Business Park. A new active travel bridge south of Coed Ely roundabout will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road from a new shared community route into the village.

The Council has secured £11.4m funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund towards the scheme’s delivery – confirmed in October 2021. This allocation, in addition to funding previously committed by the Council and Welsh Government, will fund the construction phase of the major scheme.

On site, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has completed a major sewer diversion at Coed Ely, while BT has completed significant work to its infrastructure. Having started site activity in January 2022, the Council has completed its advanced clearance work between the Fire Service HQ and Coed Ely roundabouts.

The Council has today announced that it has appointed Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd as the contractor to deliver the construction phase.

In addition, the Compulsory Purchase Order and Stopping Up Order were recently confirmed on May 11, which represents the final stage of land purchase required to deliver the scheme. Completion of this has ensured that the Council’s contractor will be able to start work on site later this summer.

In order to keep residents and commuters fully up-to-date with the progress which has been made to date, the Council will host a public exhibition locally – prior to the construction phase beginning on site. Everyone will be welcome to attend this event, which will be promoted by the Council in due course.

Roger Waters, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Director, Frontline Services, said: “The Council has reached a major landmark in its delivery of the A4119 dualling scheme, by appointing a contractor for the main construction phase. It follows a series of advanced works on site in recent months, including Welsh Water’s sewer diversion, BT utility works and, most recently, the Council’s own advanced work which has been carried out in the early part of this year.

“The dualling scheme remains a priority for the Council, to significantly improve connectivity in the Rhondda Gateway region – which has previously been identified as a Strategic Opportunity Area with the potential for economic growth. It will improve traffic flow in the busy commuter area, particularly at peak times – while important active travel improvements will also be delivered for the community at Coed Ely, via a new shared route into the village.

“Additionally at Coed Ely, the A4119 dualling will increase connectivity to the former colliery site, Parc Coed-elái – the location of the Council’s new modern business unit, with the wider site being developed by Welsh Government.

“Today’s announcement of an appointed contractor further demonstrates the Council’s commitment to delivering this scheme. Before work gets underway on site in late summer, Officers will be hosting a public exhibition – welcoming the community to find out more about the works programme. These events have previously worked well in relation to our major infrastructure projects, to introduce the contractor, to keep residents fully up-to-date, and to provide an opportunity to ask questions directly to the team delivering the project.”