Response to recent heavy rainfall

Highways workers have spent the last two days dealing with heavy rainfall and numerous incidents of localised flooding.

Prior to the start of the severe weather, staff were out checking culverts, drains and gulleys, making sure they were all clear of obstructions.

The majority of issues occurred throughout the Ogmore, Llynfi and Garw valleys where an unusually heavy volume of water fell onto earth that was already saturated.

This caused a ‘hydraulic overload’ of local drainage networks as an excess of water flowed off hillsides, fields and farmland.

Land drainage officers were sent to monitor and co-ordinate services at various valley locations, and staff deployed sandbags to areas such as Penyfai as a precaution against flooding or water entering properties.

Jetters were also deployed to areas such as Rhiwglyn Street in Ogmore Vale, Hill Street in Nantymoel, Penprsyg Road in Pencoed, Mynydd Glas at Nantyffyllon, and the A4093 in Blackmill.

A number of roads experienced temporary closures due to overloaded drainage systems, such as the A4093 Glynogwr to Gilfach Goch. However, these were able to reopen as soon as the water subsided.

Newbridge Fields was also briefly flooded when a combination of heavy rainfall on saturated ground, high river levels and high tides caused the River Ogmore to overtop. However, as Newbridge Fields acts as a flood plain to protect people and property located within Bridgend town centre, this was entirely normal, and water levels receded within a few hours.

Following flood warnings from Natural Resources Wales, New Inn Road near the Merthyr Mawr dipping bridge has been closed for the majority of the week. Unfortunately, there have been several instances where some motorists appear to have moved barriers and signage in order to use the route, thereby putting themselves and others at risk.

Staff have been carrying regular checks and if necessary have replaced the barriers, and motorists are being reminded of the importance of not ignoring the safety warnings.

Elsewhere, culvert sensors have ensured that the council has been able to attend and deal with developing issues, and staff attended a number of alarm calls to clear culverts in the Maesteg, Pencoed and Nantymoel areas.

For more information on how the council deals with extreme weather, visit the winter weather pages at www.bridgend.gov.uk.