Pensarn Level Crossings

We are excited to share our plan to make a significant investment in Abergele and Pensarn, North Wales to increase the number of trains on the North Wales Coast.

We want to better protect the public from the risks of the railway by permanently closing Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf footpath crossings in Pensarn and replace them with a ramped footbridge over the railway.

These crossings currently pose a threat to the local community in Pensarn as dog walkers, families and holidaymakers chance a crossing with trains speeding towards them at around 90 miles per hour.

Project timeline

We are working alongside Transport for Wales (TfW) to help increase rail capacity by 50% on the North Wales Coast. A new timetable, scheduled for 2026, will introduce these new services and mean an increase of TfW trains roughly from 2 to 3 per hour. This is in addition to Avanti West Coast services.

We will continue to share information as the project progresses.

What work is taking place?

Our proposal in the Pensarn area is to construct a single-ramped footbridge between Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf. The proposed location of the bridge has been chosen to minimise the impact on the residents of Pen y Cae and Clos Elwy.

We are seeking to engage with the local community before we finalise these proposals so that we can incorporate your feedback and listen to any concerns you may have.

This is supported by a wider £800 million investment from the Welsh Government for new trains, more carriages, additional drivers and train crew to support services in Wales and Borders.

The images shown are for illustration only as the proposed bridge is subject to change as the project develops.

Why is the work needed?

These crossings are among the highest-risk crossings on the Wales and Borders network with Ty Gwyn being 21^st and Pen Uchaf 37^th out of 1000. Regular users of these crossings include families, children, and dog walkers. We have received numerous reports of near misses and instances of misuse, by increasing the frequency of trains, this risk is likely to increase. We want to create a safer way for people to cross the railway by reducing the risk of accidents.

Our proposed plan is to close both crossings and provide an accessible route using a single ramped footbridge over the railway. We are committed to providing a safe and accessible route that connects the coastal path north of the railway to the public rights of way and caravan parks to the south

We understand that ramped bridges tend to be bigger than a standard stepped footbridge, however we want to make it accessible for all to use and enjoy the coastal path. 

Closing the level crossings will also help us increase line speeds and improve train punctuality on the line. More services for North Wales will help drive economic and social benefits for the area.

How will this work affect me?

To ensure the new timetable can be implemented in 2026, we may need to construct a temporary stepped bridge while the permanent solution is being constructed.

Additionally, level crossing attendants may be required during the holiday season to assist the public in safely using the crossing, following the Red (Stop) and Green (Go) lights.

We are hoping to finalise our proposals by Spring 2025 so that we can start the design phase of the work.

Public Engagement

We will be holding drop-in sessions at the date and times given below to share our proposals and hear any questions or feedback that you may have.

Get in touch

If you have any additional questions or feedback you want to share about the project, please call our dedicated 24-hour national helpline on: 03457 11 41 41 or email crwales@networkrail.co.uk.

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