Questions asked over Tfw pledge to fix railway footbridge, five years after it was damaged

Transport for Wales (TfW) has yet again been questioned over its promise to replace a railway footbridge that was damaged more than five years ago.

The Tynygraig footbridge, which goes over the Rhymney line in Llanbradach, was struck by a skip lorry in 2020 – and is yet to be replaced, despite a pledge to do so by the end of 2024.

Plaid Cymru and Llanbradach councillor Colin Mann has said TfW has “shattered credibility” for all of the parties involved, adding how “Olympic stadiums” have been built in less time.

In a letter to CEO James Price, Cllr Mann said the residents of Llanbradach have been “deprived” of the facility of a footbridge, and asked to meet with him as soon as possible to discuss the situation.

He also raised concerns over the temporary footbridge at Llanbradach railway station – which was fitted after the original Grade II listed bridge was hit by a railways maintenance vehicle.

In response, a spokesperson from TfW said: “We know how important this pathway across the railway is to the community and we understand the frustration the ongoing delay is causing.

“Unfortunately, as the bridge is not on railway land we need to purchase a site to construct the new bridge and a temporary compound for the works.

“The legal negotiations for the sale remain the single most significant delay to our work but we are continuing to work with the local authority to explore a solution, and we remain committed to finding a resolution for the community.”

TfW did add that Mr Price will be contacting Cllr Mann directly.