Stage 2 - A472 to Twyn Road Junction

Share Stage 2 - A472 to Twyn Road Junction on Facebook Share Stage 2 - A472 to Twyn Road Junction on Twitter Share Stage 2 - A472 to Twyn Road Junction on Linkedin Email Stage 2 - A472 to Twyn Road Junction link

Consultation has concluded.

Stage 1 Public Engagement

Initial Engagement Period 

A public consultation was held between 12th to 26th February 2024 as part of the initial engagement process for the A472 to Twyn Road Junction - Active Travel Improvements scheme. The public was invited to complete an initial public engagement survey (both online and in person), the outputs of which were used to inform the design process of the active travel link where suitable, and shape the stakeholder engagement as the scheme progresses.

Following the analysis of surveys for the A472 to Twyn Road Junction - Active Travel Improvements scheme, several key themes were identified regarding current and desired travel methods to the study area. Walking is a popular method of transportation and there was clear interest in enhancing it, particularly by developing more crossing facilities.

Additionally, those respondents interested in changing their travel habits showed a preference for switching to active travel methods including walking and cycling. Despite the interest in shifting towards these active travel methods, there was dissatisfaction with the proposal itself. This discontent mainly stems from limited information on how the routes continue beyond the study area and safety concerns.

It was determined that additional engagement will take place in early 2024, showing how the schemes have evolved as a result of the design review process which followed the first public engagement. Noting the number of “Very Dissatisfied” responses, the next opportunity for online engagement would have additional material provided to demonstrate how these scheme proposals fit in the wider context of delivery across the county borough.

The initial engagement note is available online which details all responses and outlines how the project team have made the amendments.

Stage 2 Public Engagement

Following the initial engagement period, feedback was reviewed and where suitable, incorporated into the final design. This second engagement period provides an opportunity for the public to review the final designs and submit suggestions/comments for consideration.

Insights will be used to inform the final design and inform the next steps of the wider Active Travel connectivity.

About the Project

As part of the delivery of the Council’s approved Active Travel Network Map (ATNM), this project is looking at how the improvement of an Active Travel Link in Ystrad Mynach could be developed and delivered for pedestrians and cyclists, in line with Welsh Government policy that encourages walking and cycling as a preferred travel mode for journeys within short distances.

The proposed walking and cycling routes are already included on the DataMapWales Active Travel Network Map and seek to establish an initial active travel network for the area, forming part of a wider 15-year ambition to deliver an extensive active travel network throughout the County.

AtkinsRéalis are looking at a range of different options that the roads could be redesigned to make it easier to walk and cycle between the A472/Caerphilly Road roundabout and Twyn Road/Caerphilly Road junction. The study will form part of a wider ambition to improve connectivity between key locations such as Ystrad Fawr Hospital, Ystrad Mynach Park, Coleg y Cymoedd, the Centre for Sporting Excellence, Trinity Fields School and Ystrad Mynach Train Station, the Town Centre, and the Industrial area near Duffryn Park. This phased delivery will form part of the Council’s overall network to provide Active Travel improvements between Ystrad Mynach, Llanbradach, Caerphilly and Bedwas.

These improvements consider changes that would make travel easier for pedestrians and cyclists such as new crossing facilities, improved dropped kerbs and tactile paving, continuous crossings across side roads etc. Refer to Table 1 for example of improvements

AtkinsRéalis will capture all the pros and cons of the design options and better understand the needs and aspirations of the local community to improve their quality of life. Ultimately, demands for road space are complex and the process of developing active travel links is an evolving process. The route and connections developed at a later stage will be subject to the appraisal process agreed by the Welsh Government.

While our work is progressing towards a detailed design stage, the preferred scheme to be taken forward has not been finalised. We are keen to hear about which aspects you like, which aspects you may have concerns about, or any better options you wish to propose.

We will use your feedback to develop our designs further, and will notify residents if funding is secured for the preferred scheme design.

Please note that when we use the term ‘pedestrian’ or ‘walk’ we are referring not only to those who travel by foot but also users of wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Table 1 - Examples of Improvements

Improvements

Example

Crossing facilities

Dropped kerbs

Tactile paving

Continuous crossings



Why are we consulting?

To involve local communities, stakeholders, and current and potential active travel users. This ensures that local user needs and knowledge are captured during the development of design proposals.

What is active travel?

Active travel means displacing car journeys with walking, wheelchair use and cycling for practical, everyday journeys such as shopping, commuting, and accessing services like health and education. Active travel can help reduce carbon emissions and pollution by reducing car use and can also help financially by reducing car dependency for shorter journeys.

All Councils in Wales have a legislative duty to create maps showing their existing and proposed active travel routes. Routes only count as active travel routes if they meet certain minimum standards for safety, directness, and other criteria to ensure that high quality is aspired to and maintained.

Study Area / ATNM

This project looks at the section between the A472/Caerphilly Road roundabout and Twyn Road/Caerphilly Road junction in Ystrad Mynach. As the ATNM emerges, wider links within and between Ystrad Mynach and settlements such as Llanbradach, Caerphilly and Bedwas will be explored.

The study area reference number on DataMapWales is made up of Routes INMC320, INMC31 and INMC319. The routes tie into several other future routes identified on the Council’s approved active travel layer including INMC328-SC, INMC327, INMC21 and INMC330. Further information is available on DataMapWales (Active Travel Network Maps | DataMapWales (gov.wales))

Option Appraisal

The information below provides a summary of the initial option appraisal undertaken along the study area.

The specifics are emerging and subject to further detailed appraisal:

  • One Toucan crossing facility on the A472 roundabout (eastbound toward Maesycwmmer)..
  • A continuous shared-use path (minimum width of 3.0m) along Caerphilly Road.
  • Upgrade the existing Zebra crossing along Caerphilly Road to a Parallel crossing. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.
  • An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing to access Ynys Glyd Street. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.
  • Upgrade the existing crossings at Caerphilly Road/Twyn Road Junction to a Toucan crossing. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.
  • Provide new pedestrian signal-controlled crossings at Caerphilly Road/Twyn Road Junction. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.

The appraisal findings will help inform this route's future design. Further detailed work will be undertaken by AtkinsRéalis to explore active travel improvements in the study area and wider connections in Ystrad Mynach following the completion of this engagement.

Ways to give your views

Please complete the online survey to comment on the proposals. You may also print a copy of the survey for completion.

A copy of the plans and survey are available at Ystrad Mynach Library (High Street, Ystrad Mynach. CF82 7BB) and any completed paper surveys may be returned to your library or in the post to:

Caerphilly County Borough Council,
Infrastructure Division (Engineering Admin),
Ty Penallta,
Tredomen Park,
Ystrad Mynach,
Hengoed.
CF82 7PG.

Expected Outcomes

Any output from this engagement will contribute to the final design process. Further engagement will take place in due course once wider active travel connections have been identified and progressed.

The outcomes of the consultation will be available within two weeks of the last date of the consultation.

Stage 1 Public Engagement

Initial Engagement Period 

A public consultation was held between 12th to 26th February 2024 as part of the initial engagement process for the A472 to Twyn Road Junction - Active Travel Improvements scheme. The public was invited to complete an initial public engagement survey (both online and in person), the outputs of which were used to inform the design process of the active travel link where suitable, and shape the stakeholder engagement as the scheme progresses.

Following the analysis of surveys for the A472 to Twyn Road Junction - Active Travel Improvements scheme, several key themes were identified regarding current and desired travel methods to the study area. Walking is a popular method of transportation and there was clear interest in enhancing it, particularly by developing more crossing facilities.

Additionally, those respondents interested in changing their travel habits showed a preference for switching to active travel methods including walking and cycling. Despite the interest in shifting towards these active travel methods, there was dissatisfaction with the proposal itself. This discontent mainly stems from limited information on how the routes continue beyond the study area and safety concerns.

It was determined that additional engagement will take place in early 2024, showing how the schemes have evolved as a result of the design review process which followed the first public engagement. Noting the number of “Very Dissatisfied” responses, the next opportunity for online engagement would have additional material provided to demonstrate how these scheme proposals fit in the wider context of delivery across the county borough.

The initial engagement note is available online which details all responses and outlines how the project team have made the amendments.

Stage 2 Public Engagement

Following the initial engagement period, feedback was reviewed and where suitable, incorporated into the final design. This second engagement period provides an opportunity for the public to review the final designs and submit suggestions/comments for consideration.

Insights will be used to inform the final design and inform the next steps of the wider Active Travel connectivity.

About the Project

As part of the delivery of the Council’s approved Active Travel Network Map (ATNM), this project is looking at how the improvement of an Active Travel Link in Ystrad Mynach could be developed and delivered for pedestrians and cyclists, in line with Welsh Government policy that encourages walking and cycling as a preferred travel mode for journeys within short distances.

The proposed walking and cycling routes are already included on the DataMapWales Active Travel Network Map and seek to establish an initial active travel network for the area, forming part of a wider 15-year ambition to deliver an extensive active travel network throughout the County.

AtkinsRéalis are looking at a range of different options that the roads could be redesigned to make it easier to walk and cycle between the A472/Caerphilly Road roundabout and Twyn Road/Caerphilly Road junction. The study will form part of a wider ambition to improve connectivity between key locations such as Ystrad Fawr Hospital, Ystrad Mynach Park, Coleg y Cymoedd, the Centre for Sporting Excellence, Trinity Fields School and Ystrad Mynach Train Station, the Town Centre, and the Industrial area near Duffryn Park. This phased delivery will form part of the Council’s overall network to provide Active Travel improvements between Ystrad Mynach, Llanbradach, Caerphilly and Bedwas.

These improvements consider changes that would make travel easier for pedestrians and cyclists such as new crossing facilities, improved dropped kerbs and tactile paving, continuous crossings across side roads etc. Refer to Table 1 for example of improvements

AtkinsRéalis will capture all the pros and cons of the design options and better understand the needs and aspirations of the local community to improve their quality of life. Ultimately, demands for road space are complex and the process of developing active travel links is an evolving process. The route and connections developed at a later stage will be subject to the appraisal process agreed by the Welsh Government.

While our work is progressing towards a detailed design stage, the preferred scheme to be taken forward has not been finalised. We are keen to hear about which aspects you like, which aspects you may have concerns about, or any better options you wish to propose.

We will use your feedback to develop our designs further, and will notify residents if funding is secured for the preferred scheme design.

Please note that when we use the term ‘pedestrian’ or ‘walk’ we are referring not only to those who travel by foot but also users of wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Table 1 - Examples of Improvements

Improvements

Example

Crossing facilities

Dropped kerbs

Tactile paving

Continuous crossings



Why are we consulting?

To involve local communities, stakeholders, and current and potential active travel users. This ensures that local user needs and knowledge are captured during the development of design proposals.

What is active travel?

Active travel means displacing car journeys with walking, wheelchair use and cycling for practical, everyday journeys such as shopping, commuting, and accessing services like health and education. Active travel can help reduce carbon emissions and pollution by reducing car use and can also help financially by reducing car dependency for shorter journeys.

All Councils in Wales have a legislative duty to create maps showing their existing and proposed active travel routes. Routes only count as active travel routes if they meet certain minimum standards for safety, directness, and other criteria to ensure that high quality is aspired to and maintained.

Study Area / ATNM

This project looks at the section between the A472/Caerphilly Road roundabout and Twyn Road/Caerphilly Road junction in Ystrad Mynach. As the ATNM emerges, wider links within and between Ystrad Mynach and settlements such as Llanbradach, Caerphilly and Bedwas will be explored.

The study area reference number on DataMapWales is made up of Routes INMC320, INMC31 and INMC319. The routes tie into several other future routes identified on the Council’s approved active travel layer including INMC328-SC, INMC327, INMC21 and INMC330. Further information is available on DataMapWales (Active Travel Network Maps | DataMapWales (gov.wales))

Option Appraisal

The information below provides a summary of the initial option appraisal undertaken along the study area.

The specifics are emerging and subject to further detailed appraisal:

  • One Toucan crossing facility on the A472 roundabout (eastbound toward Maesycwmmer)..
  • A continuous shared-use path (minimum width of 3.0m) along Caerphilly Road.
  • Upgrade the existing Zebra crossing along Caerphilly Road to a Parallel crossing. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.
  • An uncontrolled pedestrian crossing to access Ynys Glyd Street. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.
  • Upgrade the existing crossings at Caerphilly Road/Twyn Road Junction to a Toucan crossing. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.
  • Provide new pedestrian signal-controlled crossings at Caerphilly Road/Twyn Road Junction. Raised crossings at the priority junction are now flush with the existing carriageway.

The appraisal findings will help inform this route's future design. Further detailed work will be undertaken by AtkinsRéalis to explore active travel improvements in the study area and wider connections in Ystrad Mynach following the completion of this engagement.

Ways to give your views

Please complete the online survey to comment on the proposals. You may also print a copy of the survey for completion.

A copy of the plans and survey are available at Ystrad Mynach Library (High Street, Ystrad Mynach. CF82 7BB) and any completed paper surveys may be returned to your library or in the post to:

Caerphilly County Borough Council,
Infrastructure Division (Engineering Admin),
Ty Penallta,
Tredomen Park,
Ystrad Mynach,
Hengoed.
CF82 7PG.

Expected Outcomes

Any output from this engagement will contribute to the final design process. Further engagement will take place in due course once wider active travel connections have been identified and progressed.

The outcomes of the consultation will be available within two weeks of the last date of the consultation.