Two Briton Ferry bridges designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for his famous South Wales Railway incline are to receive a cash boost from CADW.
Built by RP Brereton, Brunel’s Senior Assistant, the bridges are located in Jersey Park on the steep incline railway constructed to serve Briton Ferry Dock with the best Welsh coal from the Afan Valley.
Both bridges are original stone and one is a unique design which forms a short tunnel. Huw James, Secretary to the Brunel Dock Project, said, “This is very welcome news to retain and preserve these old Brunel bridges. One is an over-bridge which served a farm and right-of-way, the other an under-bridge below the incline serving farms in the area.”
Brunel’s unique rope operated railway was one of the first of its kind in Europe and a typical example of the flamboyant work of this great engineer. The bridges carried many thousands of tonnes of Welsh Coal from Glyncorrwg and the Afan Valley, over the hills to Briton Ferry Dock. The railway line opened in 1861 and closed as early as 1910.
Leader of Neath Port Talbo Council, Ali Thomas, added, “I am delighted we have obtained this funding, particularly in these difficult financial times.
“It is important that we recognise and maintain our industrial heritage which helped form and consolidate whole communities. The work on these bridges will protect them for the next 25-30 years and be a fitting reminder of the engineer excellence that gave prosperity to Briton Ferry.
“The work to be carried out on the bridges is further evidence of the Council’s commitment to our industrial heritage here at Briton Ferry and across the county borough.”
