The Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link is now open for the public use following the completion of the new bridge crossing.
At 2pm on Friday, October 16 2020, the link road between the A4059 and B4275 Miskin Road, using a new bridge over the River Cynon and Aberdare-Cardiff railway line, was brought into use. The major scheme delivers on a commitment made to residents in early 2017 and will improve traffic flow in and around Mountain Ash and on the A4059 arterial route through the Cynon Valley.
A small group of representatives from the Council and contractor Walters-Sisk Joint Venture were at the site on Friday afternoon for the opening. They included the Leader of the Council, Councillor Andrew Morgan, as well as Walters’ Regional Director (Wales) Nick Rolfe and Group Managing Director Huw Richards – who are both based in Hirwaun. Social distancing and the wearing of facemasks was adhered to at all times.
The project has progressed over four phases, with the first of these starting on Cardiff Road in October 2017. To enable the road opening on Friday, traffic lights at the bridge’s junction with Miskin Road were switched on – road users should be aware of this change.
Walters-Sisk will continue works on site, in the areas around the bridge, in the coming weeks while finishing other works. The existing lights at Mountain Ash town hall junction will be modified several times over the coming weeks to adjust to new traffic patterns.
Nick Rolfe, Walters, Regional Director of Wales, said “We are delighted that we have reached this major milestone on this vital project for the local community. The benefits of this scheme and the major improvements that will be derived from the Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link for the residents and communities around Mountain Ash, as well as the wider benefits this scheme will bring to people travelling through the Cynon Valley, will now be realised.”
Paul Brown COO – UK Construction and Civil Engineering, John Sisk & Son said: “John Sisk & Son is delighted to deliver this joint venture partnership with Walters. The opening of Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link will see huge benefits to the local and surrounding communities, right through the Cynon Valley. We would like to thank all our supply chain partners, our client and all stakeholders involved.”
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Transportation, said: “The opening of the Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link will see a long term improvement to local traffic around Mountain Ash, and also along with wider A4059 route through the Cynon Valley. It is a scheme that the local community has wanted for some time, and today’s opening confirms the Council’s delivery on a commitment it made to residents.”
