Relocation of Ynys Roundabout crossing at the A4059 in Aberdare

Public notices have been published as part of plans to relocate the pedestrian crossing at A4059 (Ynys) Roundabout in Aberdare – to improve links between the town centre, school and leisure centre, and improve A4059 traffic flow.

There are currently two crossing points at the Ynys Roundabout – a toucan crossing and a steep footbridge over the road. These enable pedestrians to move between Duke Street and the Sobell school and leisure site, and in the direction of Aberdare Railway Station, Robertstown and Abernant.

The Council’s proposal is to remove both crossings, including the traffic lights at the Roundabout, and replace them with a new Active Travel bridge over Afon Cynon and a new crossing on the A4059. The bridge will be located around 80-metres southwards, between the rear of Sobell Leisure Centre and the rear of Aberdare Bus Station.

To accommodate this, an Active Travel footpath and cycle route will be provided near the bridge landing points. This includes improving the existing path to the rear of the Leisure Centre in the direction of Aberdare Railway Station, and creating a new path around the edge of the bus station which will lead to Duke Street – a few metres from the current crossing point.

The scheme has a number of advantages, including removal of the current steep crossing and complying with current accessibility standards at this location. It will create a desirable access to the Sobell site, increasing connectivity between the school, leisure centre, bus station and town centre.

The scheme will also improve traffic flow on the A4059 by removing the traffic lights which currently accommodate the toucan crossing. This will prevent queuing on the roundabout. Works will also be undertaken to improve the street lighting and CCTV for the footpath on either side of the bridge.

The scheme has previously received planning consent, and public notices for the relocation of the pedestrian crossing were published on Friday, June 25. Further detail about delivery of these changes will be provided in due course.