Llanharan and Cynon Valley road schemes are slated to receive a portion of £9 million in funding next year, as reported by Wales Online. The Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor is set to receive £5.05 million, while the Cynon Gateway project will get £1.14 million. The Welsh Government roads review process initially did not support these projects, but the council has since made adjustments to the Llanharan proposal based on the review’s findings. A recent report to cabinet on March 19 indicated that the Welsh Government has shown support in principle for these initiatives. Ongoing discussions are underway with the Welsh Government to refine the scheme, alongside the continuous design and development of the project.
In addition to the aforementioned allocations, a £513,000 bid has been submitted to the Welsh Government for Local Transport Fund funding in 2025/26 to assist in the development of the A465 Cynon Gateway. Funding amounting to £1.2 million has been designated for the A4119 dualling between Coed Ely and Ynysmaerdy. While this particular road has already been completed and opened, the allocated funds will go towards maintaining peripheral works, considering a compulsory purchase order (CPO), and covering other long-term project costs.
Furthermore, £384,000 has been set aside for the Gelli/Treorchy link road, with an ongoing review focused on addressing persistent issues in the Rhondda Fawr area, particularly around Stag Square. A park and ride programme is scheduled to receive £500,000, with the council collaborating with Transport for Wales (TfW) on the implementation of the Treorchy park and ride project. Work commenced in 2024/25, with a target completion date set for April 2025.
The council has also applied for Welsh Government Local Transport Fund Grant funding to establish additional park and ride facilities in Porth, in support of the newly opened Porth Transport Hub. A sum of £878,000 is earmarked for the Making Better Use programme, which aims to identify, design, and implement cost-effective improvements to address various issues such as safety, accessibility, efficiency, bus routes, and active travel. A component of this initiative will concentrate on the A4059 and A4119, according to the report.
The commitment of over £9 million to these significant road and transport projects in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) underscores a proactive approach to enhancing the local infrastructure and addressing transportation challenges effectively. The support from the Welsh Government signifies a collaborative effort towards fostering sustainable development and improving connectivity within the region.
These planned investments not only signify a boost to the local economy but also highlight a commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation systems. The continual dialogue between the council and the Welsh Government underscores a shared vision for advancing infrastructure projects that benefit communities and foster economic growth. This strategic allocation of funds underscores a concerted effort to enhance the transportation network and ensure a seamless flow of traffic and accessibility for residents and businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Overall, the upcoming funding allocations for the Llanharan and Cynon Valley road schemes, alongside other key projects, reflect a forward-looking approach to infrastructure development and transport solutions in the region. The collaborative efforts between local authorities and government bodies bode well for the future connectivity and growth of Rhondda Cynon Taf, setting a positive trajectory for sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents.