Residents will notice pontoons being used on the river at the Castle Inn Footbridge over the next few weeks, as the contractor carries out the next phase of scheduled work. The footbridge will remain open for use throughout.

The new footbridge between River Street in Treforest and Cardiff Road in Glyntaff opened in February 2024, as the remaining work in the construction phase can be safely completed while the bridge is in use. The new structure has restored an important local link over the river, replacing the old Castle Inn Footbridge that had been demolished having sustained severe storm damage.

When the new footbridge was opened earlier this year, the Council noted that some outstanding work will need to be completed this summer – particularly river working that cannot be completed in winter due to seasonal constraints.

From Monday, May 13, the project contractor Knights Brown will commence such activity, to complete the cladding to the bridge’s west abutment and south-west wing wall. Pontoons will be used to access the bridge by the contractor’s site team. This phase of work will last around four weeks in total, subject to fair weather.

The contractor will soon be writing to local residents and businesses to further outline these works. Please note, two-way traffic lights are needed on Cardiff Road, on the section near the footbridge, to position a machine that will lift the pontoons into the river and lift materials, tools and equipment onto the pontoons.

Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “The Castle Inn Footbridge in Treforest will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists as some of the remaining work programme is undertaken over the next month. This activity from May 13 will install cladding to an identified section of the bridge, as our contractor accesses the structure using pontoons on the river.

“The Council continues to welcome the Welsh Government’s support for this major project, with the final elements of work being supported within a £3.61m programme for Storm Dennis repairs in Rhondda Cynon Taf during 2024/25 – having also received significant funding during previous financial years.

“We’ll work with our contractor to complete the upcoming site activity as quickly and efficiently as possible, with timescales also dependent upon fair weather. Two-way traffic lights are required near the bridge on Cardiff Road, in order to place and remove the pontoons, and pass materials on to them. Thanks to road users and the community in advance for your cooperation.”