Update on Pencoed road bridge and level crossing plans

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet will be provided with an update next week on studies into the potential closure of the Pencoed level crossing and a new replacement Penprysg Road Bridge.

At the meeting, cabinet members will be asked to approve plans for a public consultation on the scheme which also includes an active travel bridge, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross from one side to the other.

Traffic congestion is a long-standing issue in Pencoed, particularly on the road around the level crossing on Hendre Road when the barrier is down to allow rail services to pass through -  and at Penprysg Road Bridge, which restricts flow to allow for one-way passage over the bridge in either direction.

The impact of the congestion not only constrains the town’s future capacity for growth, but also impacts negatively on the local economy and environment.

The congestion issues also create problems for bus services which are unable to achieve reliable journey times. Furthermore, due to the lack of ramps around the existing footbridges, active travel links are severely restricted.

Cabinet members will be asked at the meeting on Tuesday 20 July to delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Communities to undertake a full public and stakeholder consultation on the scheme.

A further report on the consultation outcomes, proposed designs and any potential funding streams would then come before a future meeting of the Cabinet.