Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is to invest an additional £9.5 million in highways and transport projects, including road resurfacing, footway repairs and the development of two major transport schemes.

The funding forms part of a wider £12.13 million package approved by the council’s cabinet and full council, says Nation Cymru.

Around £3.5 million will be allocated to highways and footway improvements, funding 28 additional road resurfacing schemes and 15 extra footway repairs, alongside surface planning, intermediate repairs and patching works.

A further £3 million will be invested in the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor, which is being developed to address congestion, road safety, goods vehicle movements and air quality along the A473 through Llanharan.

The proposed 4km transport corridor will include a dedicated walking and cycling route. A planning application for the scheme was submitted in April.

The Cynon Gateway Link Road will also receive £3 million towards its design and development.

The proposed 1.2km link road will connect the A4059 Aberdare Bypass with the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, improving north-south connectivity and helping to address congestion in areas including Llwydcoed.

The council says the scheme will also support wider economic development in the region.

The process to appoint a main contractor for the Cynon Gateway Link Road has begun, with detailed design work expected to start next year.

The wider funding package also includes £250,000 for flood alleviation measures and £150,000 for improvements to unadopted roads.

(Picture: Rhondda Cynon Taf Council)