Media centre

Friday 16 Sep 2005

CILGWRGAN LEVEL CROSSING CLOSES

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Cilgwrgan’s level crossing has today been taken out of operation permanently as part of a scheme to close three public level crossings on the Cambrian line. Network Rail has joined forces with the Welsh Assembly Government and Powys County Council, as the highway authority, to draw up a scheme to close Cilgwrgan, near Newtown and Old Chapel, near Llanbrynmair, following a history of incidents and abuse by users. Llanbrynmair crossing was closed in April. Mark Langman, Network Rail’s General Manager for Wales & the Marches, said: “Over the past few years, the use of these crossings has increased to the point where safety has become an issue.  We are currently manning the crossings but this is not a satisfactory long-term solution. “The co-operation of our neighbours in this project has been excellent, particularly with the agreement to close a further four private level crossings as part of the overall project delivery.” The total project is costing almost £3.4 million, half of which is funded by the Welsh Assembly and the remainder by Network Rail.  Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support this important scheme which will improve the safety of both road and rail users and builds on our strong track record of investment and support for the rail network across Wales.” Together with Powys County Council, Network Rail has closed Cilgwrgan crossing with the alternative route being made by reconstructing a former private road bridge to carry all public road transport.  A new roadway from this bridge has been built to link up with the original route that passed over the crossing. Closure of Old Chapel is planned in the next 12 months and a road bridge will be constructed to provide an alternative route for users. Cllr Gwilym Evans, Powys County Council’s board member with responsibility to Construction Futures and Transportation Planning, said: “This is a fine example of what a partnership can achieve to ensure the safety of road users and rail passengers. “We have taken the lead consulting with local communities and designing the new roads and bridges so that the level crossings can be closed.  This represents a major improvement to road safety for the benefit of the local communities.”