A huge steel arch, which forms part of the new River Taff Central Link Bridge in Merthyr Tydfil, has been put into place.

The steelwork, which is the most visible symbol of the £24mregeneration programme of the Valley's town was manufactured by Chepstow's Mabey Bridge. The project is being delivered by Abergavenny-based civil engineering company Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd.

Costing £993,000 and weighing 136 tonnes, the arch measures 40.9 metres across its base and is 18.5 metres in height. A 550-tonne capacity crane was used to lift the arch into place.

Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Councillor Brendan Toomey, said: “This is a key stage of the construction of Merthyr Tydfil’s new River Taff Central Link bridge and it will be exciting to see the arch of the bridge being installed, as this will mark a significant point in our Regeneration Programme.

“With the growth of the College and the redevelopment of the Old Town Hall, the new road system will be able to cater for an increase in visitors to the town. It will improve access to Swan Street and open up additional areas for development on College Road.”