Ammanford News
£700k to rebuild boundary bridge
12:50pm Thursday 2nd February 2012
A £700,000 scheme to rebuild the Crown bridge at Cwmtwrch, whose threatened collapse could have isolated the villages of Cwmtwrch and Rhiwfawr in the Upper Swansea Valley has been welcomed.
County councillor Alun Llewelyn, of Ystalyfera, said he had been pressing for the rebuild for several years as the old bridge had contributed to flooding problems in the area.
“The Crown Bridge is an old concrete design which is in a very poor condition and a threetonne weight limit was placed on it some years ago,” he said.
“This has made things difficult for residents living on the Rhiwfawr side of the Afon Twrch river as buses and delivery lorries have been unable to cross.
“There are real concerns that its deteriorating condition could lead to its permanent closure or collapse.”
Now Neath Port Talbot and Powys councils have agreed to share rebuilding costs as the bridge crosses the county boundary.
They will each contribute £350,000, and Neath Port Talbot will be responsible for design and construction.
Construction is due to start on April 30, but will mean the temporary closure of the bridge for about six months and a detour for drivers from Rhiwfawr Road and Rhiwfawr village.
Pedestrian access will be available across a footbridge and public path near Cwmtwrch’s Ffynnon mineral well.
Cllr Llewelyn added: “I have discussed the options with council officers because there will be disruption to traffic and inconvenience during the rebuilding, but it became clear that trying to rebuild the bridge in stages would have been too difficult because of the angle of the route and the additional costs beyond the budget available.”
“At the end of the construction period the new bridge will be stronger so the weight restriction will be lifted.”