Transport for Wales looking at “options” to replace footbridge

Transport for Wales will “investigate options” to replace a railway footbridge hit by a skip lorry.

The Tynygraig footbridge in Llanbradach, which was already closed due to damage, was broken beyond repair and had to be removed after it was hit on Thursday, May 28.

A Transport for Wales (TfW) spokesperson said: “Engineers worked around the clock to safely demolish the bridge in time to resume running Rhymney Line services on the morning of Saturday, May 30.

“We’d like to thank our customers and the community of Llanbradach for their patience and understanding while work was being undertaken on the bridge.

“We appreciate that this is an historic facility used by the members of the community to access local woodlands, and we have already begun investigating options for reinstating the crossing.”

Llanbradach ward councillors Colin Mann and Rob Gough had previously expressed fears the footbridge would be closed permanently, having closed in April due to damage.

Cllr Gough said it was the fourth time the bridge had been struck in seven months.

The bridge had been described by a TfW spokesperson as being “out of position sitting precariously on a displaced padstone” before it was hit the by the skip lorry.

Prior to the incident, TfW told the Llanbradach councillors, as well as Caerphilly’s Senedd Member Hefin David, that it had no plans to permanently shut the footbridge and was looking at ways to repair or replace it.

Dr David said: “Now that work to safely remove the bridge has been completed, I will continue to work closely with TfW for a long-term replacement bridge as soon as possible.”

Cllr Mann said: “We welcome the assurance from TfW about its commitment to replacing the footbridge.

“However, the accident last week, and removal of the bridge as a result, has highlighted the need for this footbridge to be replaced as a matter of urgency. Residents are very concerned and indeed angry about the whole situation and the way it was caused.

“I am writing to TfW requesting a firm date for the replacement.”