Investment Paves Way for Better Highways in Neath Port Talbot

Bridges, roads and footpaths across Neath Port Talbot will see improvements this year.

Neath Port Talbot Council is investing £3m on maintenance and upgrading works as part of the Highways and Neighbourhood Works Programme.

Following last year’s investment in reducing the risk of flooding in some areas of the county borough, this year’s programme again includes drainage works at a number of problem areas including in Margam, Briton Ferry, Tonna and Cadoxton.

Carriageway and footway resurfacing works are also among the planned schemes, as is the replacement of some foot bridges.

Bridges on well used roads that need strengthening have also been prioritised for improvement and maintenance works, including the A474 Neath River Bridge, between the A465 Saltings roundabout and Stockhams corner.

Also on the list of priority works this year is Pontrhydyfen Aqueduct. A listed Grade II* structure, the Aqueduct is one of the few surviving structures related to the use of water power in the iron industry of the region and is among the finest surviving works of civil engineering in early 19th Century in Wales.

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: “This Council, like others across Wales, is facing considerable financial challenges. However, we recognise the importance of maintaining the County Borough’s highways, bridges and footways which is why we are investing in improvement and upgrade works.

A safe, well-maintained and effective roads network is crucial not only for the wellbeing of those who live and work in Neath Port Talbot, but also for securing future investment and regeneration opportunities.”