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Friday 22 Aug 2025

Residents invited to learn more about updated plans for local level crossings in Pensarn and Prestatyn

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Network Rail is inviting residents of Pensarn and Prestatyn to attend local engagement sessions to learn more about our updated plans to make a significant investment to increase the number of trains on the North Wales Coast.

The events will be held on:

• Wednesday 3 September, 3.30pm–6.30pm at The Peacock Lounge, Ty Gwyn Holiday Park, Pensarn
• Thursday 4 September, 3.30pm–6.30pm at Ty Caradoc Community Centre, Prestatyn

Network Rail is working in partnership with Transport for Wales on their Network North Wales project to increase passenger services along the North Wales Coast by 50% as part of the Welsh Government's £800 million investment in new train fleet.

Crossings at Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf in Pensarn, as well as Sandy Lane and Beverley Drive in Prestatyn, have been identified among the highest-risk on the Wales and Borders network. While the level crossings are currently within national limits for safe use, the planned train service increase would pose too much of an additional safety risk to anyone attempting to cross the lines where trains travel up to 90mph.

In Pensarn alone, current usage at the level crossings mentioned has seen six near-misses, 14 incidents of misuse, and two fatalities recorded in recent years.

The proposed solution to address the increased risk at these level crossings was announced earlier this year, when Network Rail shared initial designs to close these crossings and replace them with active travel compliant, accessible, ramped footbridges. Following local community feedback, Network Rail has now developed revised designs that reduce the visual impact of the bridges and improve accessibility, including positioning the Prestatyn bridge closer to the existing road bridge near the station.

Robyn MacNamara, senior programme development manager for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “As train services continue to grow, North Wales communities benefit from better connectivity, though we also recognise the increased safety challenges at level crossings. To address these together, we’re proposing closing the crossings permanently.

“We truly value the feedback we’ve received from residents, and it has shaped our updated plans in important ways. Our aim is to make these improvements as considerate as possible for neighbours and the wider community. We encourage everyone to share their thoughts online or come along to our drop-in sessions to learn more.”

Colin Lea, Transport for Wales planning and performance director, added: "We fully support these necessary safety upgrades, which are essential for us to be able to safely increase the number of train services on the line. This investment will provide better connectivity and more travel options for communities along the North Wales Coast."

More information can be found on the specific webpages included below or by contacting us via our 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41, on our website or by emailing CRWales@networkrail.co.uk

• Prestatyn: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/prestatyn-level-crossings/
• Pensarn:  https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/pensarn-level-crossings/