New bridging links with cyclists at Penygaer

The river crossing footbridge in Llanelli’s Penygaer Fields is to be replaced and improved to allow shared use with cyclists.

It is an important element of the linkages element of the ADREF (town centre improvement) project.

More than £725,000 is being invested to upgrade footpaths between the town centre and the surrounding communities into shared pedestrian/cycle path facilities, allowing safer, improved access to the town centre and Millennium Coastal Park.

The existing bridge, with a width of 900mm, is insufficient for shared use. The new, galvanised steel bridge, with 1.4m high parapets and high grip surface, will facilitate all non-motorised users.

County executive board member for regeneration and leisure Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “There is so much going on in and around Llanelli town centre it is hard to keep pace with all the improvements and developments.

“This new bridge is an important element ensuring there are better links in the area for pedestrians and cyclists. Getting to and from Llanelli’s magnificent coastal path without having to negotiate traffic is a key element of this major regeneration.”

Alun Griffiths, the contractor appointed to install the bridge, will start on site on the September 26th (2011).

Following the demolition and removal of the bridge, the contractors will re-instate the foundations and install the replacement bridge by the end of October.

During this time, the access point across the river will be closed to the public, with appropriate diversions in place, notifying users of an alternative route.

The ADREF project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.