Restoration of Bont Fawr Aqueduct

Work will start next month on restoring the historic Bont Fawr aqueduct at Pontrhydyfen.

The 19^th century structure built to provide water for the iron industry was surveyed last year when essential maintenance and repair work was identified to preserve the Grade II Listed structure.

Neath Port Talbot Council has received consent from CADW to carry out the work which is part of this year’s Highways Works Programme.

Last autumn a team of specialists carried out the first phase of the project abseiling from the top to remove vegetation from the brickwork.

Now, contractors Ian Davies Plant Ltd will spend up to six months repairing the masonry and anchoring the arches on the 75 feet high iconic structure, made famous by images of Richard Burton crossing it in the 1950’s.

The aqueduct is one of the finest examples of 19^th century civil engineering still standing in Wales.

Today it is a much-used footpath and part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, and the host of the annual Richard Burton fun run.

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Councillor Ali Thomas OBE said: “The aqueduct is an important piece of the history of this area and I am delighted everything is now in place to ensure it is preserved for many more years.

“This is not just an important structure, providing us with an insight into our industrial heritage, but it is also part of the Council’s commitment to maintain the County Borough’s highways, bridges and footways.

“The aqueduct has been seen across the world through the images of Richard Burton walking across.

“It has stood for almost 200 years and once the work has been completed it will continue for many more.”