Emergency repair work has been authorised by Bridgend County Borough Council to address a storm-damaged road that was closed due to a landslide. The essential repairs are being carried out on the A4061, Bwlch-y-Clawdd Road in Nantymoel, following a significant landslide that occurred during Storm Bert in November 2024. The decision to fast-track the repairs was made after a council meeting where it was emphasised that the work was crucial for public safety. The road, which acts as a vital link to the neighbouring boroughs of Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf, has been described by council leader John Spanswick as one of the most picturesque routes in the area.
During Storm Bert in November 2024, the A4061 Bwlch-y-Clawdd road in Nantymoel suffered extensive damage, with a culvert collapsing and causing unstable ground to slide onto the highway. Following a call from emergency services, Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) staff promptly closed the road for safety reasons. Once the storm subsided, engineers assessed the damage on November 25, 2024, and began clearing the debris from the road on November 26, 2024. Temporary protective structures were put in place to prevent further debris from falling as the road was reopened under traffic control.
The urgent repairs required on the storm-damaged culvert have prompted the council to enlist the help of contractors already working on watercourses in Nantymoel. The total costs for the emergency works are estimated to be around £131,000, with the council planning to seek funding support from the Welsh Government’s Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme. Cllr Paul Davies emphasised the importance of these repairs in ensuring public safety not only now but also in the face of future extreme weather events. The works are scheduled to take four weeks and will be carried out on weekdays between 9am and 3.30pm to minimise disruption to motorists.
The closure of the A4061 Bwlch-y-Clawdd road during the repair period will impact travel between Bridgend County Borough and the surrounding areas. However, motorists will still be able to travel directly between Neath Port Talbot and Rhondda Cynon Taf, albeit with diversions in place. The council’s proactive approach in addressing the storm damage is aimed at securing the area and ensuring its resilience against potential future weather challenges. The ongoing repairs signify a commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and maintaining vital transport links for the benefit of the community.
The community in Bridgend and its neighbouring areas will benefit from the swift and decisive action taken by the council to address the storm damage on the A4061 Bwlch-y-Clawdd road. The funding support from the Welsh Government reflects a collaborative effort to prioritise public safety and infrastructure resilience in the wake of severe weather events. As the repair works progress over the coming weeks, residents and motorists are urged to follow designated traffic diversions and cooperate with any temporary traffic management measures in place. The timely response to the storm damage showcases the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety and connectivity of local road networks for all residents and visitors.
In conclusion, the emergency repair works on the storm-damaged road in Bridgend exemplify the proactive approach taken by local authorities to address infrastructural challenges. The coordination between the council, contractors, and government agencies underscores a commitment to public safety and the efficient restoration of essential transport links. As the repairs progress, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about any updates or changes to traffic arrangements in the affected area. The collaborative efforts underway serve as a testament to the resilience and preparedness of the community in responding to unforeseen events and prioritising the well-being of residents and commuters.