Railway crossing will close over Christmas for upgrade work

THE Pencoed level crossing in Bridgend will be closed over Christmas for upgrade works to improve the road surface over the crossing.

The works are part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan.

The road over the Bridgend crossing will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles from 10pm on Christmas Eve to 4am on Thursday, December 29.

It will be fenced off but pedestrians will still be able to cross over the railway using the footbridge at Pencoed station.

A diversion for vehicles will be in place, which will be fully signposted and the work will see only the road over the crossing closed, with access maintained to nearby properties and streets.

Less able pedestrians will be able to cross the railway using the nearby Penprysg Road footbridge.

Dave Stanbury, programme manager for Network Rail Wales, said: “We would like to thank the local community and road users for bearing with us whilst we undertake this essential work.

“We understand that closing the road over the Christmas period is not ideal: however, the work has been carefully planned in at the time when no train services are scheduled to run on this section of track to minimise disruption.”

Coun Ceri Reeves, cabinet member for communities at Bridgend Council, said: “This work will benefit motorists, pedestrians and the local community alike, and every effort is being made to keep inconvenience to an absolute minimum.”

Alongside the work at Pencoed level crossing, Network Rail Wales is undertaking major upgrade work across South Wales, commissioning the £300m Cardiff area signalling renewals project to modernise the Cardiff and Valleys network.

Mr Stanbury added: “This essential work is all part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan and is taking place while the railway is closed for the final phase of the Cardiff area signalling renewal scheme.

“There are changes to rail services in the South Wales area over the festive period, while the upgrade work is taking place, so we strongly advise passengers to plan their journeys ahead.”

Passengers can find a breakdown of how their journey may be affected by visiting nationalrail. co.uk/Christmas