News - "Puddlers Bridge" will connect communities in Merthyr Tydfil

25th November 2011

The "Puddlers Bridge" will soon provide a new walking and cycling route over the A4060 in Mrthyr Tydfil following the name suggestion from Pentrebach resident Alan Lewis, after a competition run by charity Sustrans

The bridge is due to be installed by early next year and become the centrepiece of a new walking and cycling scheme that will link Pentrebach with the centre of Merthyr Tydfil, providing residents with safe and attractive routes to make their everyday journeys without needing to rely on a car.

Alan came up with the name ‘Puddlers Bridge’ to highlight the history of the local area. He said, “Puddlers used to work in the iron industry that was so important to this part of south Wales, converting the pig iron into wrought iron which was suitable for welding.

“I’m delighted that the name has been chosen for this bridge, enabling future generations the chance to find out more about the history of this area.”

Alan wins a £25 meal voucher for TableTable, donated by the Pentrebach restaurant, for coming up with the winning entry.

Bridge designer Carwyn Morris said, “After many years of working on the design I am very pleased that we are finally able to see the bridge being constructed. The bridge will be the final link that will firmly plant the History of Richard Trevithick in Merthyr Tydfil. I hope the bridge will be a credit to the community and to the history of the people.”

Merthyr Tydfil Country Borough Council is working in conjunction as part of a national project from charity Sustrans’, building new walking and cycling routes for everyday journeys in communities across the UK. The project is part-funded thanks to a £50million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007.

The scheme will become part of a series of new walking and cycling links right across the Welsh valleys, which has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.