A £4 million park and ride scheme is being introduced in Abercynon following a major transport programme undertaken by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the European Union’s Convergence Programme administered by the Welsh Assembly Government. The Rail Forward Programme from the Welsh Assembly Government is funding the remainder.
Work on the project will begin in February 2010 and is anticipated to be open to the public by the Spring of 2011.
The scheme has been developed by the Council and forms part of the Sewta regional approach to encouraging travel by rail.
Designed by Capita Glamorgan Consultancy and supported by Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail, the ‘Park and Ride’ facility will be located on existing scrub-land situated between the River Taff and Abercynon Station.
A river bridge will be constructed linking Navigation Business Park to the ‘Park and Ride’ car park.
This scheme will provide a modern and safe parking facility for direct access to the upgraded Abercynon Railway Station via a new subway link. The facility in conjunction with the improvements to train frequencies will ease traffic congestion and encourage the use of public transport.
These improvements form part of the Sewta (South East Wales Transport Alliance) initiative to promote and deliver improved public transport across the region. The Sewta regional consortium, an alliance of the 10 south-east Wales local authorities has secured funding from Welsh Assembly Government Rail Forward Programme for these works.
The programme of works will include:-
- Parking for approximately 160 cars (includes 11 disabled spaces);
- A fully lit and signed car park including CCTV coverage to support a safe and secure parking facility;
- A new bridge with paved footways either side linking to Navigation Business Park; and
- An access to the upgraded Abercynon Station subway.
The proposed Park and Ride forms part of the Pontypridd to Merthyr Frequency Enhancements scheme, which in turn forms part of a package of rail improvement projects already implemented by the Council.
The Taff Trail will have a diversionary route through the footways and carriageway of Navigation Park via River Court to Martins Terrace during the construction phase. Upon project completion, the Taff Trail will be reinstated along its original route adjacent the River Taff.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care and Vice Chairman of the South East Wales Transport Alliance Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “The Abercynon Park & Ride Scheme is one of the largest projects currently being undertaken by the Council and we are proud to deliver a project that will be of enormous benefit to many thousands of train users.
“The £4million worth of investment will provide a first-class Park and Ride facility with 160 spaces, a fully lit car park with CCTV coverage, a new footbridge and access to the upgraded Abercynon Station subway.
“We are confident that in delivering such a scheme we will not only reduce traffic congestion but also encourage even more people to use the frequent passenger services.”
Deputy First Minister, and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said: “It is a commitment of the Welsh Assembly Government to deliver a system of sustainable transport fit for a 21st century Wales.
“Not only will this scheme help cut road congestion and carbon emissions, it will also offer better access to jobs, education and training opportunities in Cardiff and beyond.”
