New footbridge promised by Spring 2023 – but no temporary one in the meantime

Tynygraig footbridge in Llanbradach was struck by a Caerphilly Skip Hire lorry at the end of May 2020.

It wasn’t the first time the bridge was struck, but the extensive damage caused by the latest hit led to its removal.

The bridge provided a vital pedestrian link over the Rhymney railway line and Transport for Wales (TfW) was quick to promise a temporary replacement would be in place by Christmas that year followed by a permanent one 12 months later.

Almost two years on, and the bridge has still not been replaced.

The latest is that TfW cannot install a temporary one because it would interfere with technical work needed to install a permanent replacement.

TfW has said a new bridge should be in place by Spring next year and it is understood the rail operator is carrying out a survey to work out how many people would use the bridge.

It is an exercise not worth doing, according to Llanbradach councillor Rob Gough, because people’s journey habits have changed, mostly because the bridge has been removed.

However, TfW has said a replacement bridge will be in place by Spring 2023 – a promise reiterated to Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David at a recent meeting between TfW boss James Price and Caerphilly Skip Hire, who are based at Graddfa Industrial Estate in Llanbradach.

Dr David said: “I was seeking an update on the progress with installing the new railway footbridge nearby. It was clear from the meeting that TfW and Caerphilly Skip Hire are working very constructively together to find a way to restore a permanent bridge at the site.

“I was disappointed to learn from TfW that a temporary installation, which would have been in use sooner, is no longer considered feasible at the site.

“TfW told me that this is because it would interfere with long-term technical work needed to ready the site for a permanent footbridge.

“However, they told me that they are keen to progress the permanent footbridge as quickly as they can. Although TfW’s current planned completion date is Spring 2023, the company is working to bring that date forward to as early as possible.”

After the meeting with Hefin David and Caerphilly Skip Hire, TfW Chief Executive James Price said: “I’m pleased that we were able to meet with partners to move forward on this important local issue.

“We recognise its importance for the community and we’re committed to moving forward collaboratively to resolve it as soon as we can.”

Cllr Gough said he remained sceptical about the promised new bridge, and has written to TfW to question why a pedestrian survey is needed and to push for a definite timescale on the bridge replacement.

He told Caerphilly Observer: “A lot of promises were made. It’s a farce – the whole thing. Every promise and commitment by TfW has not been fulfilled.”