Replacement of vital Neath valley footbridge bridge to go ahead on weekend

Work will be carried out to replace the storm damaged Blaengwrach River Footbridge on the night of Saturday, November 28th to permanently restore the link between Glynneath and Blaengwrach.

The 70-year-old footbridge had to be partially demolished earlier this year after being critically damaged during Storm Dennis – but has since remained open albeit with a restricted width.

Shortly after the damage took place, Neath Port Talbot Council approved the design and supply of a replacement bridge.

As well as providing an essential link between the villages of Blaengwrach, Cwmgwrach and Glynneath, the footbridge also carries the gas and water mains along with telephone and internet cables to the villages of Blaengwrach and Cwmgwrach which will now need to be transferred onto the replacement bridge.

Funding was secured for the project by the council with funding also provided by Welsh Government. Local contractor Ian Davies Plant has been the main contractor working on designing, making and installing the new steel footbridge.

The A465 Trunk Road will be closed from 6.00pm on Saturday 28th November in both directions between Cwmgwrach and Glynneath Interchanges until 12.00 on Sunday 29th November to allow for the erection of a 750 tonne crane which will be used to put the new bridge in place.

Councillor Rob Jones, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said : “I am pleased the Council has been able to approve the replacement of this essential footbridge link between Blaengwrach and Glynneath. The new footbridge is of huge importance to the community and will now maintain safe and easy access for pedestrians and cyclists for many years to come.

“I’d like to thank local residents for their patience while the bridge has been out of use.”