Railway footbridge to be replaced with temporary bridge

A railway footbridge in Llanbradach which was hit by a skip lorry will be replaced, Transport for Wales (TfW) has confirmed.

TfW has said it’s aiming to open a temporary footbridge at the site before Christmas, before a new permanent footbridge is built.

The Tynygraig footbridge was shut in April due to damage, but was then hit by a lorry in May and had to be torn down.

In a newsletter, TfW said: “Pending local Covid restrictions being lifted, work will begin in the coming weeks and our aim is to have the footbridge open by Christmas.

“We are working with our partners to explore any possibility of this being in place sooner.

“The temporary footbridge is likely to be in place for 12 to 16 months, until a permanent crossing is ready to be installed.

“We will aim to update the community on the permanent arrangements as our plans for this progress.”

In a joint statement, Llanbradach ward councillors Colin Mann and Rob Gough – who both represent Plaid Cymru – said: “This crossing over the railway is a very important link for many residents in the village. 

“We appreciate the efforts made by TfW to provide alternatives but there is no real substitute for the bridge itself.  

“We’re pleased and grateful that a temporary crossing will be provided for use by the local community within the next few months. It is much needed.

“We as ward councillors will continue to press TfW to move as fast as possible to provide a permanent replacement.”

Caerphilly’s Senedd Member, Hefin David, welcomed the news and said: “The footbridge gives residents a safe route across the rail line.

“Transport for Wales has also assured me that they aim to keep the community of Llanbradach updated on the arrangements, as the plans for the permanent crossing progress.”