In order to safely rectify hillside damage previously caused by a major fire, A4061 Rhigos Mountain Road will close from July 22 until the end of October 2024. Please see
the Council’s news item explaining further details on this link, while this FAQs section provides some key responses to common queries
Why can’t the mountain route stay open for traffic during the works?
The full road closure is essential due to the complex nature of the work and to mitigate risks to highway users during the work. The road is of limited width and the contractor needs to use specialist access equipment and heavy machinery. Some of the blocks that will be anchored are up to 50 tonnes in weight, and there is also a possible risk of debris falling onto the road below.
Why can’t the work be carried out overnight?
The works are unable to be carried out either wholly or partially at night, due to the complex nature of the remediation of the rock slope. Daylight hours are essential to provide safe conditions for the workforce to operate heavy machinery and undertake rope access to the large rockface and rock netting.
I’ve seen elsewhere that the closure will be until December, is this true?
We can confirm that the scheme is scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2024. The road closure notice allows for a longer period of time for the works (up to December 2024) in case of any delays, which is standard practice.
What about disruption in travelling to Prince Charles Hospital?
The Council understands how disruptive these works are. However, failing to undertake these measures now could ultimately result in this route being unavailable for a longer/indefinite period. Your healthcare professionals will best advise as to how you should access the services most appropriate for you.
What about access for emergency services?
Access for emergency vehicles cannot be maintained, and the Council has consulted the relevant services which have put mitigating measures in place. Failing to undertake these measures now could ultimately result in this route being unavailable for a longer/indefinite period.
Why is the work taking place during the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd this August?
Due to geographical location and other routes available, it is not considered likely that the Rhigos Mountain Road will see a significant impact from Eisteddfod traffic. The dates have been planned to include the historically lower traffic volume levels that occur during school summer holidays and to lessen, as far as possible, the disruption for home to school transport provision.
How will home to school transport be affected?
The Council’s Home to School Transport team has been consulted for the period of work beyond September 2024, and alternative arrangements are being put in place with local schools. The Council understands how disruptive these works are. However, failing to undertake these measures now could ultimately result in this route being unavailable for a longer/indefinite period.
How are you going to deal with extra amount of traffic through nearby communities?
The diversion route uses classified roads of the same classification as the A4061. It is anticipated that dependent on their destination, motorists will use a variety of the routes available. These routes are already busy main roads and it is not anticipated to introduce additional restrictions that would disadvantage local residents in these other communities.
What work has been done since the fire took place in summer 2022?
There has been lots of activity since the fire to make the area safe and prepare the main scheme. Emergency work enabled the road to open under temporary traffic lights – directing vehicles away from the high-risk areas of rock netting. A large inspection took place in summer 2023, along with additional emergency repairs to the rock netting were then carried out in autumn 2023 to remove an accumulation of large stones that had fallen from the rockface. The main scheme has been in design, using inspection data to create a model of the slopes, and a simulation of possible rock falls have been used to design a solution that mitigates the risk to road users.
Why can’t the temporary netting be left in place and permanent netting over installed over the top of it – to reduce the closure period?
These works include areas both within the current temporary netting, and also, other high risk areas on the rock slope. Leaving the netting in place would not substantively alter the length of programme.
Will there be access for pedestrians and/or cyclists?
The public right of way beneath A4061 Rhigos Mountain Road will remain open for experienced walkers, but this route is not suitable for cyclists.