Essential repairs will start soon to prevent the collapse of the Farmer’s Arms bridge in Bryncoch.
Inspections have identified new cracks in the road surfacing with the bridge parapets leaning outwards.
Head of Engineering and Transport at Neath Port Talbot Council, David Griffiths, said, “This indicates that there has been significant movement, probably accelerated by the severe weather.
“To prevent further movement, the underside of the arch was propped from the river bed before Christmas but movement has continued.”
The bridge has been monitored for some time due to its sub standard structure. It was already in this year’s programme for remedial works to start early in the new year.
“Emergency work lasting about six weeks will now be necessary to carry out additional work including replacement of the fill material and rebuilding the spandrel walls and parapets,” added Mr Griffiths.
“We apologise for the disruption for residents but these repairs are essential to prevent the bridge collapsing.”
Farmers Road will be closed as a through road and local traffic diverted via Dyffryn Road, Tyn yr Heol Road and Main Road.
