We oppose the Gelynis Bridge!

We say 'no thanks' to the bridge

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Readers will be aware that Transport for Wales will be electrifying the Valleys Lines, to provide less-polluting, modern rolling-stock - whilst doubling the frequency of trains heading north and south.

Our initial response to their plans - and their implications for Radyr and Morganstown - were outlined here.

On 15 February our Planning Committee met to discuss TfW's proposals. The Committee's recommendations were then discussed at a full Council meeting on 18 February.

The following was discussed and agreed:

Planning Application 21/00235/MJR - New vehicular and pedestrian bridge over the Radyr-Pontypridd railway line and associated infrastructure and removal of part of a ruined farm building:  Cllr HO Jones (Chair of Planning Committee) presented the recommendations from Planning Committee on the proposed response to the application.  Following a wide ranging discussion of the application and implications for the site at Morganstown, Members agreed the following response to be submitted:

• That RMCC acknowledge the existing crossing at the railway line needs to close for public safety.
• That RMCC object to the application on the grounds that the scale and specification of the bridge as proposed is excessive given the nature of the site and the existing use of the crossing by pedestrians and a limited number of vehicles. 
• That RMCC request further consideration of the alternative option of a small, low cost bridge over the River Taff linking to Iron Bridge Road for the limited number of vehicles that require access to Gelynis Farm and other facilities near the farm, accompanied by a footbridge over the railway line suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.
• That RMCC request restrictions be put in place on the use of the lane from Ty Nant Road as this lane is unsuitable for heavy traffic. In addition, no traffic associated with the Transport for Wales works should be permitted to use the lane, including for TfW staff access, in order to protect the safety of pedestrians and cyclists and the well-being of residents who live along the lane.
• That RMCC request further information on the design of the access road from the Mound Field to the construction site and what will happen to the access road after the works are completed.
• That RMCC request measures be put in place to monitor, protect and restore the ecology of the site both during and after any construction works.
• That for all of the upcoming work in Morganstown planned by Transport for Wales, Radyr & Morganstown Community Council will expect working practices to be agreed that will cause minimum disruption to those who live nearby and to other users of this area.

Members agreed that Tongwynlais Community Council be informed of the response submitted by RMCC.

Note: Amongst its planning application documents TfW did refer briefly to the possibility of building a bridge across the Taff. This is what they said:

A further design option, comprising a link to Gelynis Farm across the River Taff to the east was also considered. This was ruled out for a number of reasons, including the need for a significant structure to cross the Taff, the associated likely loss of riparian habitat along the river, the loss of a direct route between Gelynis Farm and Morganstown, the need to upgrade the links to the A470 east of the river, and the need to provide a separate bridge of the railway to accommodate the public footpath.

We think a low-cost bridge (replacing the existing footbridge) is worthy of further consideration - and would remove the need to build a large new bridge over the railway - with its associated environmental consequences.

As ever, we will keep you posted.