**Historic South Wales Tunnel Nears Reopening After Decades of Closure**
A long-abandoned railway tunnel, which for decades has lain dormant beneath the hills of South Wales, is now on the verge of a dramatic revival that could boost both local tourism and community spirit. The Rhondda Tunnel, once a vital artery connecting two valleys, is now closer than ever to reopening, much to the delight of campaigners and residents alike.
Enthusiasts and supporters of the project braved inclement weather to attend a significant meeting held in a field at the entrance of the tunnel—evidence of the anticipation and excitement surrounding the scheme. The event, which brought together all those invested in the project, marked the announcement of a new partnership between the Rhondda Tunnel Society (RTS) and Railway Paths Limited (RPL), a specialist charity with expertise in managing disused railway infrastructure across the UK.
Martin Roberts, presenter of BBC’s ‘Homes Under The Hammer’ and recently appointed patron of RTS, spoke about his personal connection to the tunnel and the community. After filming extensively in the area and refurbishing a farmhouse nearby, Roberts has become a passionate advocate for the tunnel’s reopening. His energetic involvement has undoubtedly helped to raise the profile of the campaign.
Originally constructed in the late nineteenth century, the Rhondda Tunnel was a marvel of Victorian engineering. Built by the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway from 1885 and opened in 1890, it spanned almost 3 kilometres between Blaencwm and Blaengwyfni, transporting coal to Swansea Bay until its closure in 1969. Following decommissioning, both portals were sealed and the landscape above restored, leaving only memories of the hundreds of coal trains that once thundered through.
For years, volunteers from the Rhondda Tunnel Society have advocated for the tunnel’s restoration—not for railway services, but as a cycling and walking route. If successful, the project would create the longest continuous public access tunnel in Europe and the second-longest in the world after America’s Snoqualmie Tunnel. Such a designation could transform the fortunes of both valleys, drawing walkers, cyclists and adventure seekers from afar.
The newly announced partnership with Railway Paths Limited is seen as a major breakthrough. David Pemberton, managing director of RPL, expressed optimism about overcoming remaining obstacles—chiefly, the requirement for the tunnel’s ownership to be transferred from the Department for Transport to RPL. Only then can planning for the renovation and future management begin in earnest.
Caroline Levett, a trustee of RPL, sought to reassure those concerned about the complexity of the restoration. Drawing on previous experience reopening disused tunnels—such as the Tidenham Tunnel on the Wye Valley Greenway—Levett believes the process will be less daunting than anticipated. She suggested that simply excavating the currently blocked entrances could see the tunnel accessible within five years. Importantly, she noted, the closure of the tunnel means it is not currently a habitat for bats, sidestepping a significant ecological hurdle that affects other similar projects and enabling potential year-round operation.
Active support for the initiative extends across local communities. Janet Slade-Jones, representing Treherbert Old Age, highlighted collaborative ventures such as community quilts to be displayed in the tunnel, reflecting the collective pride and hope vested in the project. While some residents remain cautiously optimistic, the growing consensus is that reopening is now a tangible possibility.
The move has drawn wide-ranging backing from local politicians and organisations across the spectrum. Joel James, Welsh Conservative Senedd Member, addressed lingering concerns regarding the long-term stewardship of the tunnel—a sticking point for the Department for Transport in similar cases elsewhere. However, the structured collaboration between the experienced RPL and the dedicated local society may allay such worries.
As ideas for the tunnel’s future gain momentum, creative touches are being discussed for the visitor experience—the possibility of interactive lighting and community art installations, for example. These proposals hint at an ambitious vision for both recreation and heritage preservation, with the project promising to bring economic benefits through increased tourism, whilst also serving as a point of regional pride.
Looking ahead, supporters of the project are filled with hope that the symbolic Welsh dragon — once the stuff of local legend, said to emerge with the steam from passing trains — might soon be released anew through the tunnel. The prospect of walking or cycling through this feat of industrial engineering, and the revitalisation it could spark, now seems closer than ever, standing as a testament to community determination and collaboration.