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The first official pictures of the inside of the Rhondda Tunnel have been released.

The photos were taken during the first officially organised inspection of the tunnel in more than 40 years.

The Historic Railways Estate contracted construction and engineering company Hammond ECS of Aberdare to undertake the three day inspection of the 3km (1.8 miles) tunnel which runs between Blaencwm in the Rhondda Valley and Blaengwynfi in the Afan Valley – alongside the Mines Rescue Service.

(Image: Highways England)

Gaining access through an inspection chamber in Blaencwm, the team descended 40ft and then had to crawl through a pipe 18 inches wide and 14 foot long to gain access into the tunnel where they carried out a detailed investigation of the structure.

And signs were very positive that the tunnel, which opened in 1890 and closed in 1969 before being covered over in 1979, may yet re-open as a tourist attraction for cyclists and walkers.

In a post on Facebook, Lee Holland, from the Historic Railways Estate, said that "initial reports suggest the condition inside is no worse than it was 40 years ago".

(Image: Highways England)

His comments were met with encouragement by the Rhondda Tunnel Society, the group behind ambitious plans to reopen the Blaencwm to Blaengwynfi tunnel as what would be the world's second longest cycle tunnel.

“I was envious of the first person being lowered down into the tunnel in over 40 years,” said Stephen Mackey, chairman of the Rhondda Tunnel Society. “It was hard to watch. I so wanted to be him. “However, Mr Holland’s comments after the inspection has lifted my spirits to the highest heights.”

The group will now patiently await the findings of a report expected shortly.

(Image: Highways England)

The real task now begins with the engineers’ report,” said Stephen. “We are not privvy to any information until the report is compiled and submitted to the Historic Railways Estate.

“Then, and only then, if they feel they want to share and release the information to us, we will know if we can proceed with our project. We can only hope and wait.”

The hugely ambitious project has captured not only the public’s imagination but also politicians from all parties in Wales, winning cross-party support in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

(Image: Highways England)

The society was further boosted last week when the Welsh Government announced it was to commission a feasibility study to look at reopening the tunnel.

Minister Edwina Hart made the commitment in a letter to supporters backing the plans for the tunnel, which once housed the Rhondda to Swansea Bay railway.

Stephen Mackey said: “This is a massive move forward for the Rhondda Tunnel Society. It means that even the Welsh Government can see the potential of our project.

(Image: Highways England)

“Now we have time to catch our breath, not sit back but just rest for a short while, as the next phase will be a herculean task.

“No-one would have believed that in eight months we have come from 17 people in the first meeting to 2,200, with two meetings with the Welsh Government and a granted feasibility study in the bag.

“We have done remarkably well and we are all very proud indeed.”

The next meeting of The Rhondda Tunnel Society will take place at the White Dragon Pub, Treorchy, on May 19 at 7pm.

To join the Rhondda Tunnel Society visit www.rhonddatunnelsociety.co.uk