Road to Relief: New South Wales Corridor Set to Bypass Congestion

Plans for a new sustainable transport corridor in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) have been formally submitted, marking a major step forward in long-standing efforts to ease congestion and improve connectivity in south Wales.

The proposed Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor will deliver a 2.4km bypass, linking key sections of the A473 and helping divert traffic away from busy համայնտ roads through Llanharan, Dolau and Bryncae.

Two routes, one goal

The scheme is split into two main sections:

• An eastern stretch (1.8km), creating a new single carriageway between the A473 near Llanharan and Enterprise Way, with additional junctions to maintain local access.

• A western section (600m), designed to straighten part of the existing A473 near Dragon Studios and improve traffic flow towards Bridgend.

A central portion of the wider route will be delivered separately by developers linked to the Parc Llanilid housing scheme, meaning the full corridor is being pieced together through a combination of public and private investment.

More than just a road

While the bypass is the headline feature, the project also includes a range of active travel and environmental measures, such as cycleways, drainage systems, street lighting and landscaping. Plans also outline mitigation work including planting, wildlife protection and a noise barrier.

Long time coming

The proposal has been in the pipeline for years, featuring in the council’s Local Development Plan (LDP) as a key project to support growth and improve accessibility.

RCT Council says the corridor will not only reduce congestion but also unlock economic opportunities, improve access to services and deliver wider social benefits for local communities.

If approved, the scheme could finally take pressure off some of the area’s most congested routes—offering a smoother journey for drivers and a more liveable environment for residents.