A report has been published shortlisting future priority transport projects in Bridgend County (pdf).
The shortlisted projects will be included in future discussions with the Welsh Government, Cardiff Capital Region and rail authorities.
Only two projects – an active travel route in Ynysawdrew and the new Porthcawl bus station – are set to be delivered during the 2023-24 financial year.
Rail and bus upgrades remain on the drawing board but await funding decisions
Plans for a new park and ride and bus interchange at Maesteg Ewenny Road railway station await funding for detailed design work.
Similarly, proposed access improvements at Bridgend railway station remain on the drawing board but with no funding commitments yet. It’s a similar situation with a proposal to move Pyle railway station eastwards as part of the Local Development Plan.
The report also suggests further feasibility work should be undertaken on bus priority measures in the Garw and Ogmore Valleys, as well as between Pyle and Porthcawl. This could form part of a bus-based/bus rapid transit element of the South Wales Metro.
Long wishlist of walking & cycling projects
There are at least 16 walking and cycling projects on the wishlist, though only one of these – an active travel route through North Cornelly – is at an advanced design stage.
Other projects will be included in future bids for Welsh Government active travel funding. Some of the more significant projects on this shortlist include:
- Extension of a walking and cycling route along the A48 between Picton Court and the Laleston roundabout to the south of Bridgend.
- Improved active travel facilities to/from Bryntirion Comprehensive along Merlin Crescent.
- A replacement footbridge over the River Ogmore at the Merthyr Mawr Road underpass.
- Feasibility studies on walking/cycling upgrades between Bridgend town centre and both Penyfai (along Tondu Road) and the Princess of Wales Hospital.
- Further design and feasibility work on a walking/cycling route between Brackla Street and Bridgend railway station.
- Active travel route between Dock Street and the new Porthcawl bus station.
- Upgrades to the Garw Valley Community Route.
- Further work on longer-distance routes between Pencoed-Llanharan, Maesteg-Bridgend, Pyle-Porthcawl, Bridgend-Porthcawl.
Penprysg Road, Brackla Station, Singletons Junction & Junction 36
These are four of the most commonly sought-after transport improvements, but if you’re expecting anything to happen soon prepare to be disappointed.
As previously reported, a proposed upgrade to Junction 36 of the M4 has been shelved as part of the Welsh Government’s Road Review.
There’s no change with regards to plans to close the Pencoed level crossing either, with a bid for UK Government funding being unsuccessful meaning the project couldn’t go forward. Transport for Wales is undertaking a study on rail corridor improvements between Bridgend-Pontyclun which is expected to include new options to deal with the problem.
As for my old favourite – Brackla railway station – while the Council isn’t giving up on it, the station isn’t included in any Transport for Wales plans. A pedestrian/cycle bridge over the railway at Erw Hir/Longacres could form part of future active travel funding bids but would be developed independently of the railway station.
The nearby Singletons Junction (Coychurch Road-Heol Simonston) also gets a mention.
While BCBC acknowledges it presents “serious road safety issues”, any work to replace the railway bridge would be a “considerable undertaking”. Funding rules also presume against projects that prioritise cars.
Other options are “being considered” but the report doesn’t expand on this.
