By rosebell
In order to re-openning the Rhondda Tunnel and transform it into Europe’s longest walking and cycling tunnel, the Rhondda Tunnel Society has submitted plans.
Requesting excavation to expose the buried tunnel entrance at Blaencwm at the head of the Rhondda Fawr Valley, an application to has been sent to the Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council ,that marks the first phase of the project.
Being managed by Highways England, this tunnel is currently owned by the Department for Transport, whereas ownership rules prevent the tunnel from being re-opened until it is transferred to a suitable body.
The date of inaugurating the almost two miles long Rhondda Tunnel was 1890 for transporting coal from the Rhondda Valley to Swansea Bay for export and in 1968, the tunnel was closed due to internal distortion, pending repairs.
However, with the Beeching cuts, the entire line was shut down, and by 1980, both tunnel entrances were filled in, leaving little evidence of its existence. Access remains difficult, limited to vertical air shafts at either end.
Despite that this tunnel encountered nearly 60 years of neglect, it is in good condition as Rhondda Tunnel Society said and the society is also conducting regular visits to monitor its air quality.
The planning application aims to expose the Blaencwm entrance of the Rhondda Tunnel by partially re-excavating the railway cutting. Access to the tunnel will remain restricted until repairs are completed.
With the aim of decreasing the cycle path gradient, the approach cutting is also going to be extended, while the dug material will be relocated to the former Glenrhondda Colliery site, now owned by the charitable society.
This will be landscaped as the first step in creating a future country park, featuring a visitors’ centre and other attractions.
Considering that to expose the Rhondda Tunnel part of the funding has already been pledged, the Rhondda Tunnel Society will need to raise the remaining amount through various fundraising initiatives.
Following commencing the work at Blaencwm, the next goal is due to be to expose the other entrance at Blaengwynfi in the Afan Valley.
Due to the tunnel’s greater depth at that location, this phase is more costly and has access at both ends, vehicles and machinery will be able to reach the tunnel easily for repairs and renovations.
According to Rhondda Tunnel Society chair Stephen Mackey: “This is a hugely exciting step in the process of completely reopening the Rhondda tunnel. “As Europe’s longest walking and cycling tunnel, it will undoubtedly bring economic, tourism and cultural benefits to the immediate area and region as a whole.”
