Media centre

Wednesday 20 Apr 2005

LLANBRYNMAIR LEVEL CROSSING CLOSES

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Llanbyrnmair’s level crossing has been taken out of action permanently as part of a scheme to close three 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, Old Chapel, near Llanbrynmair, and Llanbrynmair itself, following a history of incidents and abuse by users. Peter Leppard, Network Rail’s Acting Western Route Director, said: “Over the 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 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 Llanbrynmair crossing with the alternative route being a road bridge.  Closure of Cilgwrgan and Old Chapel is planned in the next 12 months. Cllr Gwilym Evans, Powys County Council’s board member with responsibility to Construction Futures and Transportation Planning, said: “This is a fine example in 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.”