MISSING LINK IN NATIONAL BIKE ROUTE
One of the last links in the National Cycle Route from Chepstow to Fishguard (Route 4) will be completed thanks to funding for the section through Caerphilly town centre.
Caerphilly Borough Council is carrying out the work thanks to the efforts of the South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) and assistance from the Welsh Assembly Government.
The section between Taffs Well and the Caerphilly castle is already almost complete. The next section, due to start in January 2005, goes from Crescent Road to Mornington Meadows. The last section on to Trethomas will be completed next year. There will be secure parking for bikes in the town centre. The railway station already has secure facilities.
The cycle route is part of the council’s commitment to improve people’s health. They want to get drivers out of their cars and onto bicycles. Success will also bring down traffic levels and lessen pollution.
The entire route from Chepstow to Fishguard has taken seven years and is now almost complete. It has been built through a partnership of the local authorities in South Wales.
Further details of the scheme can be obtained from: The Chief Engineer, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Engineering Division, Council Offices, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, NP12 2YW.
Viaduct work on track
Work is well underway to restore the Hengoed to Maesycwmmer Viaduct back to pristine condition. The viaduct is being kept open during the restoration work.
The £1.4 million restoration scheme is planned to be completed by Autumn 2005 and will ensure the integrity of the structure for many years to come.
The viaduct forms part of the Celtic Trail, which is part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) - Route 47 and is the northern braid of the NCN through Caerphilly County Borough.
The impressive structure is a well-known local landmark and tourist attraction.
Opened in 1857, it is 770ft long and 120ft high with 16 stone arches. It was built with local stone and originally linked the railway network from Pontypool to Swansea via Neath.
It was targeted by the German Luftwaffe in 1941, but fortunately missed. Officially closed in 1964, it remained unused until it was reopened in 1999. The viaduct is a Grade 2 (Star) listed structure.
