A STRETCH of road in Merthyr Tydfil remains closed after two landslides during Storm Bert in November.
The landslips, between the Brecon Mountain Railway and Pontsticill village, were so severe, the embankment supporting the road eroded away and is unable to withstand the weight of vehicles travelling over it, the council said.
A large water main supplying 90,000 customers is also located within the road, therefore it is essential it remains closed until remedial works have been carried to ensure it is structurally safe, the authority added.
Ongoing investigative works have identified a number of safety concerns, including an unstable embankment and damaged trees which need to be removed.
But due to the ecosystem of the area, more investigations need to take place before any works can be carried out, taking into consideration the wildlife in the area, such as bats, voles and otters.
The council is waiting for Welsh Government funding for this scheme but in the meantime preparation works have started and the authority is looking to commission specialised engineers to carry out the design.
The council said the work isn’t straightforward, and it will continue to work alongside Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales, as well as the various landowners involved, to complete the works as soon as feasibly possible.
The council said reopening the road is a priority and it will keep people updated as things progress.
