Timothy Schwinghamer (he/him)
EditorPORT TALBOT: A historic bridge closed, a failing bridge demolished and a health centre potentially bulldozed — the radical plan to reshape Cymmer
Neath Port Talbot Council has launched a public consultation on plans that would transform the road network through Cymmer in the Afan Valley — including the closure of Cymmer Bridge to motor traffic and the demolition of one of the two former railway bridges at the eastern end of Maesteg Road.
The council describes one of the two railway bridges as a failing structure, and intends to demolish it as part of the Cymmer Carriageway Realignment Scheme. The historic Cymmer Bridge would be retained, but closed to vehicles and kept open for pedestrians and cyclists only.
The proposals are designed to address safety concerns and improve traffic movement through the village, which sits at a key junction for the communities of Cymmer, Afandale, Abercregan and Glyncorrwg. The current road network relies on weight-restricted bridges that the council says are increasingly unsuitable for modern traffic volumes.
The proposed layout of the Cymmer Carriageway Realignment Scheme, showing the new through route, fire station access road, shared cycleway and changes to Cymmer Bridge. (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council / WSP)The heart of the scheme is a new carriageway connection linking School Road and Maesteg Road, creating an alternative through route that would remove the need for vehicles to use the weight-restricted bridges.
The plans also include a new dedicated access road for Cymmer Fire Station, extending northwards from the new through route to connect with Railway Crescent.
Among the most significant proposals for residents is the potential demolition and relocation of Cymmer Health Centre. The council says the new location for the health centre will be subject to a separate consultation by Swansea Bay University Health Board.
An artist’s impression of School Road looking east, showing the new through route with the junction down to the fire station and Station Road. (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council / WSP)Highway improvements are proposed along sections of Station Road, Maesteg Road, Lloyds Terrace, Avon Street and Railway Crescent, including road widening, resurfacing and upgraded pedestrian crossings. Station Road would become one-way eastbound under the proposals, and Albion Bend on Maesteg Road would be widened to allow traffic to flow in both directions.
A new Toucan crossing is proposed on Station Road, alongside a 3-metre-wide shared footway and cycleway throughout the scheme. The existing Cymmer Community Library parking area would be improved, with a new parking area created south of The Refreshment Rooms as a direct replacement for spaces currently adjacent to the former railway bridges.
Maintenance work on Cymmer Bridge to prevent further corrosion and concrete decay is also included in the scheme, even though it would no longer carry motor traffic.
An artist’s impression of Albion Bend looking west, showing the new Maesteg Road link to the through route. (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council / WSP)The project covers an area of approximately 3.1 hectares, with land mainly owned and managed by the council.
If the consultation leads to a planning application being approved, the project timeline runs to summer 2029 when the scheme is expected to open. The planning application itself is expected to be submitted in winter 2026, with construction anticipated to start in summer 2027.
The public consultation opened on Wednesday 13 May and runs until 11.59pm on Wednesday 24 June, giving residents just over six weeks to respond.
An artist’s impression of Maesteg Road looking north-west, showing Station Road, the new through route and the junction down to Avon Street. (Image: Neath Port Talbot Council / WSP)Residents can have their say online at npt.gov.uk/council/have-your-say/consultations or by emailing [email protected]. Paper feedback forms are also available at Cymmer Afan Community Library.
Three public drop-in events are being held in June where residents can view the proposals and speak to the project team. The first is at Cymmer Methodist Church on Brytwn Road on Monday 1 June from 10am to 5pm. A second takes place at Croeserw Community Enterprise Centre on Bryn Siriol Road on Thursday 4 June from 1pm to 8pm — the later finish allowing those who work during the day to attend. The third and final session is at The Refreshment Rooms at The Old Station on Saturday 6 June from 10am to 1pm.
The deadline for all responses is 11.59pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026.
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