A full-scale £145,000 project to renew a main culvert through Pontypridd Rugby Football ground is being undertaken by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Highways, Transportation and Strategic Projects Department.
The scheme, which is also being funded by the local authority, involves the full renewal of the culvert in an effort to reduce the risk of flooding to the clubhouse and grandstand area at Sardis Road.
The existing culvert, which is 300 mm in diameter is made up of concrete pipes and traverses the rugby pitch before entering the river downstream.
Site Investigations have shown that the main culvert also serves a redundant mine adit to the rear of the main grandstand and it was felt the structure was well-beyond its limited lifespan.
The culvert’s inability to handle normal flow rates has on several occasions led to flooding of the area and has resulted in an interim arrangement being installed – including pumping facilities.
The replacement of the main culvert along its existing route is considered unsatisfactory given the inevitable disturbance of the main playing surface and the substantial engineering works associated with accessing the river to the rear of the eastern spectators stand.
Given that there is a need to provide a system which can also serve the redundant Mine Adit, it is considered practical to select a route for the replacement culvert which passes to the south of the grandstand and as such has minimal disruption of the main playing surface.
Following full consultation, the new culvert will pass through the former hospitalily area, parallel to the deadball line and positioned so as to have minimal impact on the future development of the hardstanding area.
The works began in December 2009 and are due for completion in the Spring.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services, Cllr Anthony Christopher, explained: “Clearly flooding has been a major issue for areas of Pontypridd Rugby Football Club and this scheme will hopefully greatly reduce or even eradicate this problem in the future.
“We are committing £145,000 into the project which will undoubtedly improve the sporting pleasure of players and spectators alike during their frequent visits to Sardis Road.”
