On December 24 2023, we temporarily reopened Portobello level crossing, located just North of Taff’s Well station.

We’ll be permanently closing the level crossing on June 2 2024 in line with our exciting timetable changes that will be in place from that date. This change of timetable allows us to start bringing in more frequent and later running train services; the start of a true ‘turn up and go’ South Wales Metro service.

However, it will mean that there will be 16 trains per hour (8 in each direction) through Taffs Well. The more frequent services (all of which call at Taffs Well station) mean that it’s no longer safe to keep Portobello level crossing open.

Once the level crossing is closed, pedestrians wishing to cross the railway line will need to use the stepped access across the current footbridge or use Ffordd Bleddyn’s pedestrian access pathway that will reopen on 31 May. This temporary diversion will be in place whilst we continue our work to install the fully accessible footbridge at Taffs Well station, with both steps and lift access onto each station platform. We’re aiming to open this bridge to the public in Summer 2024. This will then become the permanent diversion and public right of way following the closure of the level crossing.

Ffordd Bleddyn accessible route diversion

  • Why do you need to close the level crossing permanently?

    • Much of our infrastructure was built in the early days of railways when there were no cars, or as many people living nearby level crossings. The world is a very different place now, making level crossings much more dangerous than the people who originally built them would have intended.
    • Keeping the crossing open following this increase in services would be extremely dangerous, with trains travelling through the crossing every 2-3 minutes. As trains will also be entering and exiting the depot site, this will also cause an increase in train movements through Taff’s Well station, and these train movements will not always show on online journey planners.
    • Closing a level crossing altogether isn’t a step we take lightly, but it’s the most effective way of reducing the risk of accidents.
    • A new accessible footbridge over the railway is being built slightly further up the line at Taffs Well station and will be open to all that need to cross over the railway.  The new bridge will have step and lift access to each platform and will be accessible 24/7.

  • Why can’t you build a bridge in the same location as the level crossing?

    • We’re unable to construct a new footbridge at the site of the existing Portobello crossing as there is not enough space available. If the new bridge was to be fully accessible and step free, it would require long ramps to provide the required health and safety gradients, impacting a larger number of adjacent properties and requiring an even larger footprint of land outside our land boundary.
    • We’re exploring the most suitable route to and from the new station footbridge to make this as accessible and as efficient for the pedestrians and cyclists that will use it.

  • Why was the level crossing closed in May?

    • The level crossing initially closed in May to allow us to carry out significant work at track level through the level crossing and station. Following the completion of these works, we then began investigating how the crossing could be safely reopened on a temporary basis.
    • It was clear that several additional safety measures would need to be added to the crossing to improve its safety before we could reopen it. Following thorough analysis by our safety teams, it was agreed that the level crossing could reopen once all safety measures had been installed.
    • From May and up to December, our teams are working hard to install the following safety measures:
      • Additional signage at the crossing.
      • A temporary speed restriction of 20mph for all trains approaching the crossing.
      • Cameras installed to reduce the risk of Anti-Social Behaviour at the crossing.
      • Cutting back overgrown vegetation on either side of the crossing to improve visibility.
      • Additional barriers on the approaches to the crossing to encourage cyclists to dismount. 
      • Whistle boards reinstated so trains sound their horn when approaching the crossing as they did previously.
    • We announced in October that we were aiming to open the level crossing in November, but due to the safety critical assessments suggesting further safety changes, a new reopening date has been secured for 24 December.
    • We would like to thank the local community for their patience throughout the period that the level crossing was closed. We understand the impact that the closure has had on residents.

  • What are the plans for the current shuttle bus?

    • From now until 24 December, our shuttle bus service will continue to run to provide access to either side of the railway line. Our shuttle bus operates 24/7 and circles the village to call at both sides of the crossing and station. The bus operator can be called on 07984 880 026 (10:00 - 22:00) and 07982 914 165 (22:00 - 10:00). Once the level crossing has temporarily reopened, we will then remove the shuttle bus service.

 

More information

If you want to get in touch with us, our team is available 24/7, so please call us on 03333 211 202. Alternatively, you may contact us via WhatsApp at 07790 952 507 (07:00 - 20:00 on Monday to Friday, and 11:00 - 20:00 on Sunday).