Bridge plan to replace 'danger' rail crossings

BUT SOME PEOPLE FEAR IT COULD BE USED AS A RACE TRACK

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

DESIGNS for a new footbridge have been unveiled for a stretch of railway on the Conwy coast. It will replace two level crossings that are amongst the most dangerous in Wales.

Network Rail is planning to build a ramped footbridge in Pensarn, near Abergele, between the existing Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf level crossings. The move is in response to Transport for Wales (TfW) proposals to increase capacity on the North Wales main line by 40 per cent.

The aim is to lift the number of services on the North Wales coast by 50 per cent, up to roughly three trains per hour. TfW said this will increase connectivity across North Wales over to Liverpool.

But this move will increase the risk on the Pensarn crossings. To protect the public, TfW plans to permanently close the two level crossings and build a safer alternative.

The footbridge will be built wide enough to be connected to the local active travel network.

Initial bridge designs show steps and two ramps, one longer than the other because of the height difference either side of the railway line.