New footbridge set to be lifted into place near Coed Ely roundabout

A two-night road closure is needed on the A4119 between Coed Ely and Ynysmaerdy roundabouts (9pm to 6am, June 27 and 28) to safely lift a new footbridge into place as part of the ongoing dualling scheme.

Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd will be carrying out the bridge lift, at a location just south of Coed Ely roundabout, across two overnight work shifts. These will take place from 9pm to 6am on Thursday, June 27, and Friday, June 28 – subject to fair weather conditions. The works will therefore conclude by 6am on Saturday, June 29.

Installing the footbridge requires a 220-tonne crane to be sited on the road, assisted by a smaller crane. Therefore, to ensure safety for road users and the workforce, the bridge lift cannot be undertaken while the road remains open. The night-time closure is intended to minimise disruption to road users.

The A4119 will close in both directions between the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service roundabout and Coed Ely roundabout. An alternative route for motorists will be signposted via the A4119 to Tonypandy roundabout, A4058 to Pontypridd, A470 to Upper Boat Roundabout, Tonteg Road, and the A473 to Llantrisant. Access cannot be maintained for emergency service vehicles.

Temporary bus arrangements will be in operation for local routes during the closure. Service 122 (Cardiff-Tonypandy) will divert via Pontypridd and Porth.

A temporary shuttle bus will operate between Tonypandy and Coed Ely on both evenings. This will be a FREE service operated by Stagecoach, following the usual bus route from Coed Ely to Tonyrefail, Williamstown and Tonypandy Bus Station (in both directions).

A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Lifting the shared footbridge into place near Coed Ely roundabout represents an important milestone in the A4119 dualling scheme. The construction phase started on site last year and continues to progress towards finishing later this year. The upcoming bridge lift must be completed under a full road closure to ensure safety, and this is going ahead over two night shifts on June 27 and June 28, subject to weather conditions.

“The work is planned for when fewer people would normally use the road – starting from 9pm and reopening at 6am, before the next morning’s peak travel period. Road users who will be travelling during the closure should plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys due to the large diversion route. Thanks to residents and road users in advance for your cooperation.”