As most of you probably know by now, Bridgend Council has launched a public consultation on plans to close the Pencoed level crossing and replace the Penprysg Road bridge.
You all know what the problems are too: congestion, delays in getting from one part of Pencoed to the other (by road or on foot/cycle); potential safety issues regarding the railway itself; the Penprysg Road bridge being too narrow to provide an adequate diversion from the level crossing.
The other reason behind the proposals is that it would enable housebuilding and other development to the north and west of the railway. BCBC currently has a moratorium on any housebuilding in that part of Pencoed.
As things currently stand, the shortlisted option is for:
- A new wider Penprysg Road bridge to enable two-way traffic and provide additional walking and cycling facilities.
- The closure of the Pencoed level crossing.
- The replacement of the Pencoed station footbridge with a new one that’s more cycle and disabled-friendly.
The consultation is open until Sunday January 30th 2022 – all the details are available here.
Four drop-in sessions in Pencoed are being held over the next few weeks. The first has already taken place, but the next three are:
- Pencoed Pavilion, Felindre Road – Saturday 13th November 2021 (10 am-12 pm).
- Pencoed Town Council, Salem Chapel, Coychurch Road – Monday 15th November (6 pm-8 pm).
- Pencoed Library – Friday 3rd December (10 am-12 pm).
A consultation doesn’t mean anything will actually happen as there are still major obstacles to overcome – namely funding. The consultation report says this is being led for the moment by the Cardiff City Region and a stakeholder group made up of politicians and Network Rail but that’s pretty vague.
In the LDP document, the price tag for the project was put at around £10million; that’s now jumped closer to £17-18million.
At a recent council meeting, an officer revealed that BCBC was working on a bid for UK Government “Levelling Up” funding to finance the proposals. Bridgend wasn’t awarded anything in the first round, so I assume they meant a later round.
