News - Merthyr residents get chance to name new bridge

28th July 2011

Merthyr residents are to be given the chance to name a new walking and cycling bridge over te A4060, which will become part of Sustrans' National Cycle Network and link the existing Trevithick Trail, Taff Trail and a new series of traffic free paths

tThe bridge is the centrepiece of a lottery-funded project, helping people in Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding areas to get around quickly, easily and safely on foot or by bike. It has so far been informally known as the Trevithick Bridge, but now local people will get a chance to decide what the bridge will become known as.

The naming competition has been launched to coincide with the installation of the bridge to come before the end of this year.

Scheme Manager for Sustrans, Rachel Lister, said, “The bridge is going to make a real difference to people in Merthyr Tydfil. We know that people are willing to make their local journeys on foot or bike when they are given safe and attractive spaces to do so, and the new bridge and the series of traffic-free paths linking to it provide just such a space.

“We want the bridge to really belong to the area, so we’re giving local people the opportunity to suggest to us what the bridge should be called. Perhaps the name Trevithick Bridge will be carried on, or there might be other suggestions relating to the nature of the area. We will be reviewing all suggestions that come in and the decision will be announced shortly before the instillation of the bridge later this year.”

Suggestions should be e-mailed to merthyrconnect2@sustrans.org.uk or can be sent in by post to Merthyr Connect2, Sustrans Cymru, 123 Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5AE. The deadline is Friday 9 September at 5pm.

Working in conjunction with Merthyr Tydfil Country Borough Council, the scheme is part of Sustrans’ national Connect2 project, building new walking and cycling routes for everyday journeys in communities across the UK. Connect2 received £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007. Part of this grant is being spent in Merthyr Tydfil, alongside funding from Methyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Discover how to get around everyday on foot or by bike and find what your local area has to offer with our free online mapping. Find it at www.sustrans.org.uk or download the free app for iphones - The complete National Cycle Network - from the iTunes store.