Pengarnddu walking and cycling bridge

Anyone who has driven past the Asda Roundabout at Dowlais Top on the A465 during the last week will have been surprised to see this new foot-bridge that opens up new routes for walkers and cyclists.

The bridge will provide a safer, traffic-free crossing for walkers and cyclists over the busy A465 when it opens in September.

Rachel Lister, Sustrans project officer in the valleys, said: "This is a significant development as it is the first new part of the Heads of the Valleys route to be put in place. It crosses an extremely busy road and will allow connect existing parts of the National Cycle Network together for those doing longer walking and cycling journeys. This is exactly the sort of safer and more attractive route that is needed if we are to encourage people to do more of their daily journeys on foot or bike."

The Heads of the Valleys route will open fully in 2012, and will be known as National Cycle Network Route 46, providing a walking and cycling 'spine' through the valleys. It will incorporate a mix of new sections of route and existing parts of the National Cycle Network like the popular Route 8 on the Taff Trail.