Transport and Industry: Brecon and Merthyr Junction Railway
Opened in 1863 this railway initially connected Brecon with Dowlais near Merthyr Tydfil. Within a few years it was possible to join with main lines and travel country wide. The route ran northwards from the summit tunnel at Torpantau down a steep seven mile bank through Talybont to Talyllyn Junction then west to Brecon or northwards to Hereford. Station Road leading to the station was created plus a road bridge across the Usk which gave the first direct access to the A40. The presence of the railway provided work, the opportunity to travel for employment and taking material and produce to and from the booming markets in industrial South Wales. Tourism particularly from the heavily populated coal fields and iron works around Merthyr enabled shops, cafes, pubs and the Usk Hotel to flourish.
