Questions asked over railway footbridge replacement delays

Transport for Wales has been questioned over its promise to replace a railway footbridge that was damaged nearly four 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.

Councillors in Llanbradach are now demanding answers from Transport for Wales (TfW).

Plaid Cymru’s Colin Mann and Gary Enirght have written to TfW’s chief executive, James Price, criticising what they describe as a lack of action.

In the letter, Cllr Mann said residents are “becoming increasingly anxious at the lack of any tangible progress” on replacing the bridge – and are questioning whether the work will actually go ahead.

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 railway maintenance vehicle.

Cllr Mann continued: “The original bridge is, of course, a listed structure. We have no physical evidence that a start has been made on either project. 

“The temporary structure at the station is not a satisfactory long-term solution. You may well know that planning permission was granted some months ago for the Tynygraig bridge but the wait still goes on.”

Cllr Mann said TfW has “a duty” to restore the two bridges and called on the organisation to do so “without further delay”.

His letter added: “Subsequently, I am requesting yet again a definite timeline for the completion of the work needed to restore these much-valued facilities for the residents of Llanbradach.”

Councillor Enright said: “People in Llanbradach are absolutely fed up to the back teeth with the continuing delays of TfW to action replacement bridges.

“Actions speak louder than words. We have had lots of failed promises, and token verbal gestures with little to no action thus far.”

“Work is now progressing”

A TfW spokesperson said: “Our chief executive, James Price, has written to local representatives to apologise for the delays in the replacement of the footbridge, which has been caused by complications with the design process and land acquisition.

“Work is now progressing and we expect to be able to share a provisional schedule with representatives over the next few weeks, with the aim of having a replacement bridge in place later this year.”