Two pedestrian level crossings in Prestatyn will shut permanently from Sunday 1 March following safety assessments revealing unacceptable risk levels as train services prepare to increase by 50% in May.
Sandy Lane and Beverley Drive crossings will close ahead of Transport for Wales introducing more frequent services on the North Wales Coast Line, with Network Rail installing protective fencing before the timetable changes take effect.
Sandy Lane is already among the highest-risk crossings on the Wales and Borders network, with 32 misuse incidents recorded between October 2024 and October 2025. Recent footage released by Network Rail highlights incidents of level crossing misuse at the location.
Although both crossings currently meet national safety standards, risk assessments determined that regular local use by schoolchildren, dog walkers and cyclists combined with trains travelling up to 90mph at higher frequency would raise risk to an unacceptable level if they remained open.
Pedestrians will use fully signposted diversionary walking routes via Gas Works Lane and Bridge Road, and Ffordd Penrhwylfa, until a new station footbridge opens to the public in spring 2027. Network Rail acknowledges the temporary inconvenience to residents during the interim period.
Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport at Denbighshire County Council, stated: “These crossings have been problematic in the past and the up-coming closure will ensure the safety of our residents in the long term, through the provision of a new, fully accessible footbridge.”
He added: “Whilst the closure will be of an inconvenience to begin with, the prospect of faster and more frequent train services along our coastline will be a welcome addition to the county.”
Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales, described the closures as “a vital step in enabling our planned May timetable changes on the North Wales Coast, which will deliver more frequent transport opportunities for people across North Wales.”
Construction of the brand-new, fully accessible footbridge will begin this year following extensive public engagement and community feedback. Site preparation works are scheduled to start in spring 2026, with the bridge expected to open in spring 2027.
The footbridge has been designed to minimize visual impact and will be located adjacent to the existing road bridge, with access from the top of Bridge Road at the station. It will provide a safe, step-free route across the railway for residents and visitors to the popular coastal North Wales resort.
Network Rail is working closely with Denbighshire County Council and Transport for Wales’ active travel team to integrate the bridge with future walking and cycling routes, including connections to the council’s planned boardwalk scheme.
Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, stated: “Closing the crossings allows the railway to grow safely while the new bridge will provide a permanent crossing for residents and visitors.”
She thanked “the community, Denbighshire County Council and Transport for Wales for their engagement and input, which has helped shape a better bridge design, and we thank everyone for their patience while temporary diversions are in place during construction.”
The new bridge supports wider improvements on the North Wales Coast Line, with Transport for Wales services set to increase by 50% from May 2026. The enhanced timetable represents a major expansion of rail connectivity for communities along the North Wales coast.
Network Rail works closely with partners and local communities to make level crossings as safe as possible through design, technology and education. However, safety also relies on people using crossings correctly and always following warnings in place.
Misusing a level crossing is illegal and extremely dangerous, and can result in fines, penalty points or prosecution. Network Rail provides educational resources to help people of all ages stay switched on and safe near the railway.
The closure of Sandy Lane and Beverley Drive crossings will take effect on 1 March, approximately two months before the May timetable changes introduce increased train frequency. The footbridge opening approximately one year later will provide the permanent accessible crossing solution for the Prestatyn community.
