Prestatyn Level Crossings

We are excited to share our plan to make a significant investment in Prestatyn, to create a safer and more accessible way for the community to cross the railway, with work on the new bridge starting soon. Passengers are already benefitting from increased services on the North Wales Coast.

Rail services on the North Wales Coast have now been increased, improving connectivity across the region and supporting local communities and tourism.

To accommodate these additional services safely, we reviewed how level crossings in the area are used and the potential risks associated with more frequent trains.

As a result, our plan is to permanently close two level crossings (Beverley Drive and Sandy Lane) and provide a safer alternative route across the railway, including the construction of a new bridge, which is due to begin soon.

The crossings are now closed but they presented a safety risk due to the high number of users, including dog walkers and school children, combined with limited visibility of approaching trains, which can travel at speeds of up to 70-80mph.

We would like to thank everyone who attended our information sessions in March and September 2025, or wh oshared their feedback with us. Your input has helped shape an updated proposal, which we are pleased to present.

Accessible footbridge adjacent to Bridge Road

Having listened to the community, we have chosen a less visually intrusive footbridge, offering safe access to the Morfa. The bridge will be built beside the road bridge, at the same height, with entry from Bridge Road. We plan to add perforated panels for better visibility and aesthetics. Previous options are listed in this PDF.

In addition to this, we’ve been working closely with Denbighshire council and Transport for Wales’ active travel team to agree suitable connection points for the bridge and as a result, we’re planning for the end of the ramp to tie in with the council’s future boardwalk scheme, which will mean that a temporary connection to Gas Works Lane is required until the boardwalk is ready. 

We’re also looking to include an additional connection between the new footbridge and the existing road bridge, but we’ll keep you updated on this as move through the coming months. 

When is the work taking place?

We are currently completing detailed design for the bridge as well as site preparation works, which are due to be completed in June 2026. This will allow the main construction works to begin in July 2026. The bridge will be lifted into place during a planned closure of the line in January 2027. We aim to have the permanent bridge open in Spring 2027.

We understand that construction can sometimes cause noise and traffic disruptions. We’re committed to working closely with our contractors to keep any inconvenience to a minimum and ensure things run as smoothly as possible for the community.

How will this work affect me?

As rail services have increased in the area, Sandy Lane and Beverley Drive level crossings have now been closed to help keep everyone safe. A fully signposted diversion route is in place for both crossings.

We’d like to say a big thank you to the local community for your patience and understanding as we make these important changes. We know closures like this can take some getting used to, and we really appreciate your support.

We also understand that upcoming construction work may bring some noise and traffic disruption. We’re working closely with our contractors to keep any inconvenience to a minimum and to make sure things run as smoothly as possible for everyone.

Why is the work needed?

We want to create a safer way for people to cross the railway by reducing the risk of accidents.

Both crossings were closed on 1March 2026 to allow time for the locations to be secured ahead of the timetable increase and construction works.

The future bridge will provide an accessible, safe route over the railway to the nearby nature reserve Coed Y Morfa.

Closing the level crossings helps us safely increase line speeds and improve punctuality, supporting more reliable journeys and bringing positive economic and social benefits to North Wales.

Active Travel

We’re working alongside the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Denbighshire County Council to provide a wider bridge that will connect with the local Active Travel network.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please call our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41, email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk or visit our Contact Us page.

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