A railway footbridge in Llanbradach has been significantly damaged after being hit by a skip lorry this morning (Thursday, May 28).

The Tynygraig footbridge, which goes over the Rhymney line and has been closed since April due to health and safety concerns, was hit at 9.25am.

Rail services along the Rhymney line have been affected. A Transport for Wales (TfW) spokesperson said: “TfW engineers are on site to examine the damage and ensure that it is safe for the railway to be reopened as soon as possible.

“We advise all customers to please check online before they travel.”

Caerphilly’s Member of the Senedd, Hefin David, said: “I’ve spoken further with TfW this afternoon and I’ve been informed that all lines between Llanbradach and Ystrad Mynach stations are on stop.

“However, trains are shuttling between Caerphilly and Cardiff and Rhymney and Ystrad Mynach. There is a bus service between Ystrad Mynach and Caerphilly running both ways. I understand disruption is expected to continue until the end of the day.”

Meanwhile, Llanbradach ward councillor Colin Mann has called on highway officials to investigate the number of incidents where the bridge has been hit.

Cllr Rob Gough, who also represents Llanbradach, said this is the fourth time the bridge has been hit in seven months.

Cllr Mann said: “This is the most serious incident that I am aware of and will probably mean the immediate removal of the bridge.  The railway has been shut and there is no information at present how long the closure will last. 

“These incidents cause enormous inconvenience to the travelling public and they should not be happening.

“Even with the reduced rail service this is going to be a massive inconvenience to residents in Llanbradach and communities further north in the Rhymney valley. This cannot be allowed to happen again.”

Before today’s incident, Cllr Mann and Cllr Gough had expressed concerns that the footbridge could be permanently closed.

However, in a virtual meeting with Caerphilly MS Dr David, TfW offered assurances that the footbridge would be reopened.

A TfW spokesperson previously described the bridge as being “out of position sitting precariously on a displaced padstone”.

Officers from Gwent Police are currently in attendance.

British Transport Police have been contacted for comment.