Work to install permanent traffic signals has commenced in Abercynon thanks to the commitment of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to answer residents’ concerns over road safety.
The signals at the north western end of Greenfield Terrace have been introduced in response to local residents’ concerns about traffic movements in the narrow section of road between Park View and Greenfield Terrace.
The road is only 3.5 metres wide and is 170 metres long. It provides an important link between Abercynon and the B4275 and A4059, reducing journey times and distances, but because of its long length and narrow width, congestion and delays have frequently occurred.
The road was also used by people avoiding delays at the A470, Abercynon roundabout, and following a number of public meetings about traffic levels, the Council introduced temporary traffic signals. At the same time, the Council, in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government introduced part time traffic signals at the roundabout, and together these measures have helped to reduce traffic levels.
Action continues to press for further solutions to the traffic build up at the Abercynon roundabout, which is a trunk road and therefore comes under the remit of the Welsh Assembly Government.
The Council consulted local people about the possibility of removing the traffic signals at Greenfield Terrace and providing alternative measures. The overwhelming response from the public was that they would like to see the scheme made permanent.
The scheme is being constructed by the Council’s own work force in partnership with specialist signals manufacturers. The cost of the scheme is £67,000, which is being paid by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Local Road Safety Grant.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Customer Care and Emergency Planning, said: ‘This scheme is being introduced as part of the Council’s commitment to the local residents to listen to their needs and to find and implement appropriate solutions to their highway problems.
“I am sure they will welcome the project being constructed which again illustrates our total commitment to improving the local highway infrastructure for the benefit of residents and visitors alike
“At the same time, we are pressing for a further easing of the traffic problems at the A470 Abercynon roundabout”
