A new footbridge for public use was opened last Tuesday, 20 August, near the railway station at Llandaf in South Wales.

The new bridge was needed to provide a safe crossing over the railway following the electrification of the railway lines as part of the South Wales Metro project., which will also bring more frequent services running through Llandaf station.

The new footbridge replaces a level crossing that connects Wingfield Road to Colwinstone Close through an existing footpath running across a playing field.

A special ceremony to mark the opening of the bridge to the public was attended by members of Transport for Wales Executive Leadership Team and the project team involved in the design and construction of the bridge.

The level crossing was originally known as the ‘Barry Wrides’ crossing, named after a family of farmers who worked the land in the area in the late 19th century. The new footbridge will perpetuate the name by being known as the Barry Wrides bridge. Neil Jellings and his grandson Nate Jackson (aged 8) who are relatives of Barry Wrides were invited to attend the opening ceremony.

Although the bridge has been formally opened, Transport for Wales still has some work to complete the installation, including landscaping, drainage, and fencing. That work is due to be completed by early December, but the site works compound will be decommissioned from September, after which the playing field will be reinstated to its previous condition.

As well as constructing the new footbridge, Amco Giffen, Transport for Wales’ partners have been working with the community in a number of community benefit schemes, and last month they installed planters at Llandaff North Community Centre.

Stone that was used as a base for the crane has been recycled by compacting it to repair potholes and fix deterioration at nearby allotments.

Transport for Wales has recently installed new accessible footbridges at Cwmbran and Llanhilleth.

As we prepare for the introduction of brand new all-electric tram trains next year and an increase in frequency of services to four trains per hour from each of the heads of the Valleys , the majority going through Llandaf, this footbridge will provide a vital safe crossing for the local community.

I’d like to congratulate the team behind the project and thank residents and stakeholders for their feedback and patience while the work has taken place.

James Price, Chief Executive Officer at Transport for Wales