The Cynon Gateway North scheme will create a new 1.2km road between the A4059 Aberdare Bypass and the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road at Croesbychan.

The council is progressing procurement for a design-and-build contractor, with an appointment expected during 2027 before detailed design work gets underway.

The route will run through land between Llwydcoed and Penywaun, around 2.5km north-west of Aberdare.

It will cross the Afon Cynon, Nant Hir and a disused mineral railway, while also passing through agricultural land, woodland and areas of environmentally sensitive habitat.

The scheme is designed to improve connections between the Cynon Valley and the A465 strategic route, cut congestion through Llwydcoed and support economic growth in the wider area.

Around £2.6m has been committed to developing the project during 2026/27.

The project was revised following the Welsh Government Roads Review in 2023 to bring the scheme into line with current transport policy.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, cabinet member for environment and capital infrastructure, said the project remained an “absolute commitment” and was a key part of the Cardiff Capital Region’s five-year Regional Transport Plan.

He said the contractor appointment would pave the way for detailed design and could also allow early works to start on site during that phase.