Media centre

Wednesday 19 Feb 2025

Pensarn residents invited to learn more about plans to enhance safety at two level crossings

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

A public information event will be held on Wednesday 26 February at Abergele Town Council offices to present proposals for enhancing safety by closing both Pen Uchaf and Ty Gwyn footpath crossings in Pensarn and replacing them with a ramped footbridge over the railway. 

Network Rail is collaborating with Transport for Wales to enhance passenger services along the North Wales Coast as part of the Welsh Government's £800 million investment in a new train fleet.  

This follows on from Ken Skates’ announcement back in August on the proposed increase in rail capacity of 40 per cent, with 50 per cent more timetabled services in 2026. 

To increase the number of services safely, Network Rail has carefully reviewed the affected level crossings on the line and the risks they pose to the public. Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf are among the highest-risk crossings on the Wales and Borders network.

In the last two years, Network Rail has had reports of six near-misses and 14 incidents of misuse on both crossings, as well as two fatalities in 2019. 

These crossings pose a risk to the local community in Pensarn as dog walkers, families and holidaymakers attempt to cross with trains passing at up to 90 miles per hour. 

To help the local community cross the railway safely, Network Rail is exploring the option to build an accessible (ramped) bridge over the railway line.  

Emma Osborn, Network Rail Wales and Borders passenger strategy director, said: “It’s great news that investment in the railway will bring significant social and economic advantages to the local area and to North Wales.

“However, the additional services will also increase the safety risk at the crossings. This is why we must permanently close both crossings and give people a safer way to cross over the railway.

“We understand that this proposal will create lots of questions and feedback so we would like to hear your views. Please connect with us via our webpage and do attend our drop-in session where we will be discussing our plans in more detail.” 

Colin Lea, Transport for Wales planning and performance director, said: “We know how important it is for the public to have suitable crossing points, however safety has to be the first consideration. 

“Many crossings have been around for a very long time but are no longer fit for purpose with the speed and frequency of trains using the network. 

“Working with Network Rail, we fully support the work being done to improve safety along the North Wales coast and the mitigations currently under consideration. 

“By delivering this work, it will allow for an uplift in rail services along the North Wales coast, which will have massive benefits to the local economy and improve access to key tourist locations and educational establishments along the route.” 

Come and find out more at Abergele Town Council Offices, Llanddulas Road, Abergele, LL22 7BT on Wednesday 26 February between 4:30pm and 7.30pm. 

More information about our plans can be found on our dedicated webpage: NetworkRail.co.uk/Pensarn