Pensarn Level Crossings
We are investing in Abergele and Pensarn to support the growing railway in North Wales and improve safety for everyone using the network.
Recent timetable improvements have increased the number of passenger services on the North Wales Coast, providing more capacity and better connections for communities, businesses and visitors. These enhancements form part of a wider investment in rail services across Wales, including new trains, additional carriages and more train crew.
With more trains now operating through the area, we reviewed local level crossings to make sure they remain safe for both railway users and the public.
As a result, work is now underway to construct a new bridge that will provide a safer way to cross the railway. Once complete, the bridge will allow the permanent closure of the Pen Uchaf and Ty Gwyn level crossings, helping to reduce risk while supporting a more frequent and reliable railway for the future.
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What are we proposing?
After launching the website, sending out letters, and engaging with the community, we received valuable feedback that helped shape updates to our plan.
Our proposal in the Pensarn area is to construct a single-ramped and stepped footbridge between Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf level crossings. The proposed location of the bridge has been chosen to minimise the visual impact on nearby homes.
We took on feedback from our public engagement sessions and our design has changed with the height of the bridge reduced, and we can confirm we’ve now completed the outline design for the bridge and are now working on the detailed design. We’ll also look to install a 1.8m fibreglass reinforced plastic fence along the railway boundary, to maintain privacy for homes and caravans adjacent to where the new footpath and footbridge will be.
The images shown are for illustration only as the proposed bridge is subject to change as the project develops.
Why is the work needed?
These crossings are among the highest-risk crossings on the Wales and Borders network. Regular users of these crossings include families, children, and dog walkers. We have received numerous reports of near misses and instances of misuse. By increasing the frequency of trains, this risk is likely to increase. We want to create a safer way for people to cross the railway by reducing the risk of accidents.
Closing the level crossings will also help us increase line speeds and improve train punctuality on the line. More services for North Wales will help drive economic and social benefits for the area.
When is the work taking place?
Preparation work has started in the area. Our goal is to have the permanent bridge ready for use by Spring 2027. Until then, we’ll focus on essential tasks such as conducting surveys and completing design plans. As well as carrying out construction work to ensure the project’s success.
How will this work affect me?
The increase in train services on the North Wales Coast was introduced in May 2026, and to support the safe operation of the railway while the new bridge is being built, temporary safety measures have been put in place at both the Pen Uchaf and Ty Gwyn level crossings.
These measures include the deployment of seasonal level crossing stewards, who are helping users cross safely and raising awareness of the miniature stop light systems at each crossing. The stewards will be on site at the crossing until the end of September, after this time please adhere to the signal lights and remember to Stop, Look and listen before crossing.
Construction of the bridge is now underway and will provide a safer, more accessible route across the railway for pedestrians and cyclists. We understand that construction activities can sometimes cause noise and traffic disruption, and we are working closely with our contractors to minimise any inconvenience to residents and visitors wherever possible.
Active Travel
We’re working alongside the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Local Authority to provide a wider bridge that will connect with the local Active Travel network.
Get in touch
If you have any additional questions or feedback you want to share about the project, please call our dedicated 24-hour national helpline on: 03457 11 41 41 or email crwales@networkrail.co.uk.
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