Context and challenges

We collaborated with Cyngor Gwynedd (Highway Authority) on the initial stages (TfW Plan of Works Stage A & B) of a route connecting to the South of Bangor Station. Penrhos Road connects Bangor with Penrhosgarnedd village, Ysbyty Gwynedd schools cluster and Natural Resources Wales offices. There are also onward links to Y Felinheli and Caernarfon via National Cycle Network routes 5 and 8.

The route suffered from issues relating to vehicles exceeding the speed limits, lack of safe crossing points for pedestrians and drainage issues.

 

Design approach

Together with Cyngor Gwynedd, we established the route as a priority connection for users accessing the station. Working collaboratively through the design and engagement stages during 2023 with Cyngor Gwynedd and specialist design and road safety support, the project was prioritised for phased construction across a 3.1km distance, with approximately 1km built by 2024, and the next 1km in 2025.

It is anticipated that the remaining 1km will be built directly afterwards. Cyngor Gwynedd remained the formal client throughout the project in its capacity as Highway Authority, with TfW providing support as the client’s representative and early-stage project management. Specialist support for the designs and on-site supervision was provided transport consultancies.

 

Partnerships and engagement

Use of the route was encouraged by cycle parking and behavioural change activities at local primary and secondary schools. Staff at public sector sites along the route (Natural Resources Wales, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Gwynedd-ran schools) also engaged via the North Wales Healthy Travel Charter.

The scheme complements proposals being developed by Welsh Government for an improved crossing of the A487 at the Faenol interchange (Active travel provision: A487 Faenol Roundabout, Bangor). There have been bus stop and shelter improvements for the TrawsCymru, Sherpa’r Wyddfa and local services that serve the route. The route construction was also supported by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, who allowed use of a portion of land at the hospital entrance as a site compound.

 

Impact

We have undertaken traffic counts at Bangor station and along the route, as well as speed measurements. 34% of users surveyed in March 2025 travelled to Bangor Station by walking, wheeling, or cycling. However, 52% were travelling from locations within a reasonable distance to walk, wheel, or cycle, highlighting a strong potential to increase access via active modes for the first/last mile section of the journey, especially in the context of aspirations for additional services between Bangor and Manchester Airport.

 

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