MEMBERS of Bridgend Council have been updated on progress made to a number of strategic transport projects proposed for the area over the next few years.
The report given to councillors at a meeting in December 2024 showed the potential projects that could be put forward for funding by the local authority in the next financial year as well as those that will be delayed until future years.
These include a number of schemes such as highway and infrastructure developments, active travel routes, and public transport links that will go ahead as a priority and others that are simply being recognised in case funding becomes available.
Members were advised that the schemes “with the exception of the Porthcawl Metrolink and the Active Travel programme” did not currently have any council approved capital or revenue funding, with the ability to progress them dependent on resources and funding being secured.
Active travel
With only one bid now allowed each year for active travel funding from Welsh Government, Bridgend Council has chosen the first phase of walking and cycling improvements at Pen-y-fai as the main capital scheme for the 2025-26 financial year.
The project will include work to create an upgraded “shared pedestrian and cycle track” from the crossing point along Tondu Road that connects to the area to Bridgend town centre, with improvements also made at the A4063 Pen-Y-Fai Junction.
Additionally, there are several core projects being put forward that will need further work before plans can progress, such as those for improved walking and cycling facilities around Brackla and Coity, the second phase of the Penyfai route, and investigations in to active travel from the Danygraig Roundabout A4106 to the newly opened Porthcawl Metrolink.
The report also shows a number of active travel projects in the plans that have been pushed back in the short term, such as those for a cycling and walking route between Merlin Crescent and Bryntirion after what was described as a considerable level of opposition from a public consultation.
Other desired schemes that will not be put forward this year include connective routes from Brackla to Bridgend, Bridgend to Porthcawl, and Pencoed to the Rhondda Cynon Taff boundary.
Highways
There were also updates on a number of key highways developments that have been advised for the area in the future which could have a major impact on residents should they go ahead.
These include the minor works schemes proposed to go forward for funding in 2025-26, for works to the A48 to improve the link from the Picton Court roundabout along Heronston Lane to Ewenny Roundabout, as well as a programme for dropped kerbs at various locations around the county borough.
A number of schemes which have been identified but currently do not have funding could see improvements to the Heol Simonston/Coychurch Road junction which is known for having problems with congestion, as well as work to enhance junction 36 off the M4 near Bridgend.
Elsewhere a long-term proposal for developments to the Penprysg Road Bridge, which have been known to cause serious issues with traffic in the town of Pencoed, is still being looked at, though officers noted at the meeting that the potential costs for this major project had increased significantly in recent years.
Public transport
A number of public transport schemes are also included within the strategic plans with the latest completed project of the Porthcawl Metrolink opening in November 2024.
Others could include enhancements to Bridgend railway station which is part of the town centre masterplan, and the Ewenny Road Interchange which would develop a new bus stop and park and ride facility opposite the Ewenny Road railway station.
Long-term proposals for a Brackla Halt Railway Station were also highlighted, for the creation of a new station facility on the South Wales mainline between Bridgend and Pencoed, though it has been noted that there were currently no proposals from Transport for Wales to take this project further.
The report also said a regional transport plan was currently being drafted for the whole of the South East Wales region which included Bridgend and would be published for public consultation some time in 2025, along with a metro enhancement framework for the Cardiff Capital Region Transport Authority to start developing a pipeline of future transport projects.
