Link road plan for commuters

A NEW bridge and link road could be built to reduce traffic from Llanrumney into Cardiff city centre.

Proposals have been unveiled which would connect Llanrumney with Pentwyn Park and Ride.

Currently all commuter traffic going from Llanrumney, Rumney, Trowbridge and St Mellons has to use Newport Road, causing heavy traffic during rush hour.

But, if approved, the new road would connect residents to the park and ride site using a dedicated bus lane.

As part of the development, a new state-of-the-art outdoor sports complex could also be built for football and rugby clubs in Llanrumney.

Cardiff council said an agreement has been reached to provide competition standard pitches for Llanrumney Football Club and Llanrumney Rugby Club as well as a number of maintained minis pitches and a new shared clubhouse.

The new facilities will also provide access for training on a new 3G pitch and will be open to host minis, juniors, youths and seniors’ fixtures on weekends.

The proposals form part of the East Cardiff Industrial Strategy to give those in the area better access to job opportunities.

The council plans to raise funding for the infrastructure by intensifying development on council owned land in the area.

Once funding is in place the council’s cabinet will be asked to approve a tender process in the spring so that a contractor can be appointed.

The plan comes at the same time as residents are being asked for their views on plans for a new £120m mainline train station and business park at St Mellons.

Over time, it could see nearly one million square metres of new offices and leisure space built.

Subject to planning, work on the station and office space is expected to start next year, with the station and a first phase of development at Cardiff Hendre Lakes completed in 2023.

Councillor Russell Goodway, cabinet member for investment and development, said: “The Cardiff East Industrial Strategy has now been approved by the cabinet and a key part of this strategy is improving transport links from the east of the city to the city centre.

“The new bridge and link road will give the residents of Llanrumney direct access to the park and ride facility, making journey times into the city centre by bus significantly quicker than travelling by car.

“Travel by train from the east of the city isn’t currently viable, as the most easterly train station is at Cardiff Bay.

“However, the development of the new Cardiff Parkway Station will be a game changer.”