Bridgend residents have been invited to a public meeting this week to learn more about plans to replace a failing bridge on a main transport route through the Ogmore Valley.
The A4061 river bridge at Blackmill was reduced to a single lane in March 2025 after routine checks revealed significant structural problems, including cracks in the main deck. Temporary traffic lights were installed to reduce the load on the bridge while engineers sought a solution, though this is understood to have caused "unavoidable traffic congestion" in the area.
Complex engineering project
The work has since been described as a "complex engineering project" and will now see the main deck of the bridge completely replaced to make it safe. A section of frequently asked questions on the council's website noted that while the replacement could not be carried out without causing some inconvenience, every effort would be made to keep disruption to a minimum.
It added: "Once the new deck has been installed, the council’s priority will be to return traffic to normal and ensure that drivers can safely use the new bridge to enter or leave the Ogmore Valley."
Utility services to be rerouted
Councillor Eugene Caparros said: "The contractor is currently liaising with a number of organisations, including utility companies, as local gas, water and telecommunications services run beneath the bridge and will need to be rerouted while the work is underway."
"This is a complex project, but it is absolutely necessary. The A4061 is the main route in and out of the Ogmore Valley, and once this work has been completed, it will safeguard the bridge and ensure it remains safe to use for generations to come."
Public meeting details
The public meeting will take place at 5.30pm on Wednesday, October 28, at Blackmill Youth and Community Centre, where officers will explain how the work will be undertaken and phased. It will also highlight the schedule for the work, the traffic management plans, and the measures agreed with public transport providers.
The project will be funded using £3.5m of Welsh Government regional transport funding, following a successful bid from the local council.
