Pedal into the past: Railway tunnel designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel that links two Welsh towns could be reopened as cycle path nearly 60 years after last train passed through
- The 1.4 mile tunnel would be the longest in Europe if transformed into a route
- It runs between former coal and steals towns of Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare in South Wales
- Hundreds of people have backed the plans to turn it into a traffic-free route
A hidden railway tunnel designed by legendary builder Isambard Kingdom Brunel could be opened up for cyclists to ride through a mountain.
The 1.4 mile tunnel would be the longest of its kind in Europe if transformed into a route for cyclists and walkers.
It runs between the former coal and steal towns of Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare in South Wales and hundreds of people have backed the plans to make it a traffic-free route.
The entrances of the Abernant Tunnel in South Wales are still open but are gated off to stop the public from entering
The Abernant Tunnel was designed by Brunel in 1853 to carry coal but the last train travelled through it in 1962.
The entrances are still open but are gated off to stop the public from entering.
The cycle route would be about four miles between the two towns – taking about three miles off the current journey.
It was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1853 to carry coal but the last train travelled through it in 1962
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough councils are working together to reopen the tunnel.
Almost 800 people have completed an online survey to have their say on the plans.
One comment said: ‘Less traffic, more exercise. It’s a great idea to open the tunnels to active users – more of this in Wales is needed.
Hundreds of people have backed the plans to make the tunnel a traffic-free route from Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
‘Lots of people work between the Valleys, not just down and into Cardiff. It’s a no-brainer in my opinion.
‘The tunnel would be a brilliant feature for both Valleys and I’d use it for running and cycling, not just to get to and from the two towns.
‘Unless you are young or super fit, the only walking or cycling options are up and down the valley. Opening the tunnel would be wonderful.’
Some people also described the tunnel as a heritage asset and a potential tourist attraction.
One said: ‘We should do everything we can to preserve and capitalise on our heritage. I think the tunnel would be a great attraction for tourists.
‘This would be a fantastic opportunity to encourage more people of all ages to enjoy the wonderful landscape of our Valleys.
‘It’s also free to walk, run or cycle on what would be a safe and beautiful route from Aberdare to Merthyr.
‘It’s an ideal opportunity to share the history of our Valleys within both communities and to welcome new visitors from near and far.
Inside the tunnel people have been in and painted on the walls under archways in white and red paint
Some archways have been outlined with white paint and written on with red under some parts of the tunnel
‘It would be great to see the tunnel open again for the public to walk and cycle through. It is about time we tried to save and use some of our industrial past treasures.
‘Make the tunnel safe, secure, with solar lighting throughout, and let’s get on with it. We will love it!’
In 2019 the Welsh Government announced an extra £60million investment in active travel across Wales over three years.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough councillor Geraint Thomas said: ‘We knew that residents were excited about the prospect of the reopening, so we thought they would get involved.
‘The next steps will be to look at all the comments, both positive and negative, and then carry out further analysis of maintenance/running costs and a full detailed business plan.
‘The consensus appears to be very much in favour of reopening, but there are many factors to take into account, including initial and ongoing costs. As soon as we have a clearer idea of workable plans, we’ll be reporting back.’