Cyclists and walkers travelling along route 8 of the Taff Trail can now enjoy an improved journey thanks to a partnership between Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, charity Sustrans and the Welsh Government, partners in the Valleys Regional Park initiative through a project part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
The route marks phase 1 of the exciting project that will see various sections of the popular Taff Trail upgraded.
The newly upgraded section between Nantgarw and Rhydfelin was officially opened by Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Customer Care and Emergency Planning in a special launch event which saw local school children from Cardinal Newman RC Comprehensive School leisurely ride along the refurbished section of the Taff Trail.
The improved 4km route, which has been widened, features new security barriers and has been resurfaced, will help to make journeys along the popular Taff Trail more enjoyable for local people and tourists.
The work, funded through Valleys Regional Park initiative, is part of the ‘Valleys Cycle Network’ project, being delivered by Sustrans and local authorities that will see the creation of an additional 100 miles of new walking and cycling paths across the South Wales Valleys to develop tourism opportunities, encourage local people to lead more active lifestyles and provide more sustainable transport links.
In line with the Welsh Governments Sustainable Development objectives, the £425k Welsh European Funding Office and Welsh Government funded project has been designed to accommodate the requirements of a proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme which will ensure that the local community of Rhydfelin will benefit from additional flood protection.
This part of the scheme involved the upgrading of the existing drainage systems that have previously led to the flooding of properties in the area to the south of Rhydfelin at the rear of Maes Uchaf and Llys Corrwg.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Customer Care and Emergency Planning, said: “I am pleased to officially open the upgraded section of the Taff Trail between Nantgarw and Rhydfelin. This improved route will further encourage residents to undertake sustainable travel and improve health and well-being in and around our County Borough and beyond. This route is just one of the many improvements the Council has committed to in partnership with Sustrans and the Valleys Regional Park initiative and plans are in place to start works on phase 2 of the Taff Trail improvements in early 2012. Phase 2 will see the route from Dynea Road to Glyntaf improved in readiness for the link with the Connect 2 scheme, which runs from Tonteg to Pontypridd.”
“This is yet another example of the close working relationships between the Council and its colleagues with the Welsh Government through which this jointly funded scheme of £425,000 will undoubtedly improve sustainable travel and has helped to alleviate the flood risk to the area to the south of Rhydfelin, namely to the rear of Maes Uchaf and Llys Corrwg.”
Angela Spiteri, of Sustrans, said: “The Taff Trail is an incredibly popular route that helps people to do their everyday journeys to school, the shops and work more sustainably and actively. It’s also a great leisure route for people to enjoy the best of the area on foot or bike.
“The improvements on this section of route are just one part of an exciting programme of work that Sustrans and partners have been doing in the Valleys to encourage people to walk and cycle more.”
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