Active Travel - Monlife

B4245 Rogiet to Undy active travel scheme – FAQ

The Rogiet to Undy B4245 active travel scheme aims to improve journeys between Rogiet and Undy. Several route options have been examined and, whilst additional routes may be developed in the future, a proposed primary route consisting of a shared use active travel path adjacent to the southern side of the B4245 has been assessed to provide the shortest, most direct active travel route between Rogiet and Undy. Detailed designs of this preferred option have been prepared for public consultation.

The red box on this image shows the section of the B4245 between Rogiet and Undy that is the subject of this scheme

Scheme description

The current B4245 between Undy and Rogiet has no pavement provision. Previous studies along this route have highlighted the need for safe pedestrian and cycle provision, to link into Severn Tunnel Junction railway station and across the Severnside area.

Rogiet and Undy are just over a mile apart, a distance that could be covered using a mobility scooter in half an hour or cycled in less than ten minutes. An active travel route along this section of the B4245 will allow residents of both villages to benefit from the facilities and opportunities offered by their neighbouring villages, without needing access to a car.

Consultation results

219 people examined the proposals and responded to our consultation, either at the in-person event on October 4th 2023 or online. Rogiet Community Council and Magor Town Council submitted comments separately.

B4245 Rogiet-Undy active travel path (Phase 1)

96% of people consulted were ‘very-‘ or ‘quite supportive’ of the proposed Rogiet to Undy active travel path, which is as expected given that there is currently no direct, accessible link for active travel. Many urgently want to have the option of active travel and find existing provision inadequate. The vast majority said the proposed improvements would influence their modal choice for local trips.

Comments focused on the potential for the proposed active travel path to be a safe, accessible, practical, sustainable, healthy, and affordable option. It is seen as a much-needed link ‘for all’ between communities. There was concern from some about the proximity of the path to the B4245, the potential for conflict between path users, the path’s impact on local biodiversity and the possibility of traffic congestion or loss of road width. We will address these concerns through design, applying best practice and analysis of impact to the local setting. Please see the FAQ’s section below for further details.

This route is seen as a step in connecting Magor and Undy to Severn Tunnel Junction, Caldicot and further afield. A typical comment said: ‘This is a plan that will benefit the residents and visitors of the related areas, and promoting more environmentally friendly travel modes, e.g., combined of walking/cycling and train instead of driving.’

Station Road (Phase 2)

Over half of people consulted travel along Station Road to get to public transport (Severn Tunnel Junction railway station) and the majority frequently use the route for purposeful journeys. Most said that wider pavements and general improvements to the active travel infrastructure would encourage them to walk and/or cycle along Station Road, where currently more than three quarters of people consulted mainly drive along it.

Rogiet to Caldicot proposed AT route (Phase 3)

92% of respondents said ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Would you support Phase 3 Rogiet to Caldicot Active Travel route section?’

What is active travel? 

Active Travel is a term used to describe walking, wheeling or cycling to a destination (also called “purposeful journeys”). It does not cover walking and cycling done purely for leisure although it could significantly enhance leisure activities by helping to link up networks. Active travel can be used to get to school, work, services and shops, or as one of several modes on a longer journey – for example, walking to the station to catch a bus or train. Monmouthshire County Council’s active travel strategy focuses on journeys of three miles or less, which means improving walking and cycling infrastructure within communities and between close-by villages such as Rogiet and Undy, to make active travel the first natural choice for local journeys.

Why focus on the B4245 between Rogiet and Undy?

The need for improvements in this part of Monmouthshire was highlighted during Monmouthshire County Council’s Integrated Network Map submission to the Welsh Government in 2018. The existing options for active travel between Rogiet and Undy (approximately 1,700 and 4,000 inhabitants, respectively) are limited and inaccessible to various users, due to high traffic speeds and volume, and a lack of barrier-free and safe paths. 

Several options for an active travel link between Rogiet and Undy have been examined and a proposed primary route consisting of a shared use active travel path adjacent to the southern side of the B4245 has been assessed to provide the shortest, most direct option.

The proposed route between Rogiet and Undy is an important link in the wider walking and cycling network. A short and direct active travel route will open up healthy, affordable and sustainable access to services, schools and job opportunities in the two villages, as well as connecting local people and visitors to the existing foot- and cycleways in the Severnside area, bus services along the B4245 and rail services to further afield.  

Levels of active travel are lower in Rogiet and Undy compared to Monmouthshire as a whole. At the same time, the proportion of residents in the local area who drive a car or van is higher than Monmouthshire as a whole (Census 2021). The 2021 Census also indicated that Magor and Rogiet has a high proportion (63.7%) of working-age residents who are likely to travel regularly to commute and therefore would directly benefit from improved access to Caldicot and Severn Tunnel Junction Railway Station.

The Proposals 

A study of potential options for active travel improvements in the area concluded that a three-metre wide, shared-use path to the southern side of the B4245 between Rogiet and Undy is the preferred option. Projects such as this one are usually progressed over several years from concept through to detailed design, following the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance or WelTAG (see below). Projects are then dependent on the approval of funding from bodies such as Welsh Government for the construction phase. We are currently at the detailed design stage of the process (WelTAG Stage 3). 

As the preferred route is to be for active travel, the process has been based on the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Act Guidance that was published in July 2021. This includes the application of walking and cycling audit tools as well as standards that active travel routes should adhere to. 

Option sifting 

At the start of this project and in line with the Welsh Transport Appraisal process the project team developed a wide list of possible solutions, sufficient to be able to decide whether there are any scheme options worth pursuing and to select a short list of options for more detailed consideration. Options were shortlisted based on: 

  • their ability to prevent, or solve the problem now and in the future; 
  • their ability to meet the objectives set and improve the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of Wales; 
  • their short- and longer-term impacts to deliver multiple benefits across the four aspects of well-being and maximise contribution to all seven well-being goals; 
  • their deliverability; and 
  • their robustness to uncertainty and potential to drive long lasting change. 

WelTAG Process 

The proposed scheme will seek approval and funding from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund and has therefore been developed in line with the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG). The WelTAG process covers the complete lifecycle of a proposed intervention in the transport system from assessment of the problem, consideration of possible solutions and scheme design, through to implementation and project evaluation.

WelTAG studies are an essential part of major transport projects in Wales to help decide which are the most appropriate solutions to develop, and important in the support of bids to Welsh Government for funding grants to complete the works. WelTAG involves a series of project planning stages that follow the life of a project, programme or policy from early ideas to after it is completed. There are five WelTAG stages: Stages 1 and 2 of the project were completed in August 2022, and we are currently at WelTAG Stage 3.

Future phases 

The Rogiet to Undy route (phase 1, shown here as a green line) will complement other Severnside area proposed active travel improvements that Monmouthshire County Council are currently investigating as phases 2 and 3 of this project (red line and blue line, respectively). Phase 2 will focus of developing active travel improvements along Station Road in Rogiet to encourage walking and cycling journeys to Seven Tunnel Junction train station. Phase 3 will progress proposals to continue this route from the train station travelling east, to Caldicot, with the potential to link to National Cycle Network route (NCN) 4 at Station Road in Caldicot.

FAQ

When will the route be constructed? 

The successful completion of the WelTAG Stage 3, providing a full business case including detailed designs and delivery information, will allow us to apply for funding to move to WelTAG Stage 4 (construction phase). Monmouthshire County Council could request funding to progress this scheme as early as next financial year (2024/2025), dependent upon progress of designs and securing permissions. 

How will the scheme be funded? 

The route will be funded through Welsh Government grants aimed at improvements to sustainable transport modes. 

Why is the route on the south side of the road? 

The settlements of Undy and Rogiet are both predominantly on the south side of the B4245, this alignment of the route will reduce the number of road crossings required, improving the route coherence. In addition, an active travel route is better accommodated on the south side of the M4 underpass due to the cattle pass on the north side of the road.

Why is the route alongside the road? 

Alternative route alignments were considered in the provisional studies for the route, these were discounted due to either public opinion or technical feasibility. The route alongside the road was seen to be a positive for personal safety due to the visible security of others passing. 

The B4245 is a busy road, and a buffer will be provided where possible between this shared use route and the carriageway. This follows the design principles set out in the Active Travel Design Guidance: https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-01/active-travel-act-guidance.pdf  

Why can’t cyclists use the road or the NCN route?

This scheme aims to make it possible for a wider range of people to comfortably and safely reach local destinations using active travel. While cycling (as opposed to walking) makes up a higher percentage of active travel around Rogiet and Undy, overall active travel levels are low in the area.

The National Cycle Network section (NCN4) that joins Undy and Rogiet is an indirect route that is largely unlit and unsealed, making it either impractical or unsuitable for a diversity of people to use active travel between Rogiet and Undy.

The proposed shared use active travel path alongside the B4245, a wide single surface, would accommodate a wider range of active travel modes. The path is designed for use by pedestrians and people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as those on bikes and larger/adaptive cycles. Though some people currently cycle on this section of the B4245, the speed and volume of traffic – as well as the presence of heavy goods vehicles – makes it unlikely that most people will choose to cover this short, direct route by active travel unless a separated path is provided.

What is a ‘shared use active travel path’?

A shared use path is a path for use by any mode of active travel, be it walking, wheeling or cycling, without any physical separating features or markings. Cars and motorbikes are not permitted on a shared use path. The proposed shared use path is designed as three metres wide, with the exception of the section of the M4 overbridge where slight narrowing may be necessary. The route will be lit and separated from the road traffic.

Shared use paths are recommended in the Active Travel Act guidance for inter-urban roads such as the B4245 between Rogiet and Undy, where the number of users of different modes is unlikely to reach a level where separate provision – and the consequent environmental, land, materials and cost impact – would be justified. Routes with a wide single surface are better able to accommodate larger cycles, such as those used by disabled people, and people in wheelchairs. Shared use paths allow for flexible use depending on the time of day – for example, cyclists may be the majority group during the weekday peak, and pedestrians and those using mobility scooters during daytimes and at the weekend.

Shared use routes are designed to provide sufficient space so that cyclists can comfortably overtake groups of pedestrians and slower cyclists, in accordance with Active Travel Act guidance. Illegal use of active travel paths by people on motorbikes and e-scooters is a police matter and should be duly reported by calling 111.

How does this affect plans for a Magor & Undy Walkway station?

Monmouthshire County Council is supportive of plans for Magor and Undy Walkway Station as it will encourage and support active travel, help the modal switch from road to rail and lead to a reduction in carbon emissions and air pollution in the area. The meantime addition of an active travel route between Undy and Rogiet complements plans for a walkway station, offering the option of car-free trips and embedding the choice of active travel and sustainable transport in local people’s travel habits.

Is there enough space, will greenery be removed and will the road be narrowed?

The proposed active travel route will require the redesign of parts of the road and verge, and the acquisition of slivers of land from private landowners. The current road width varies along this portion, the scheme will make the road a consistent width of six and a half metres, which is the current minimum width of the road.

Monmouthshire County Council’s land team will engage with the landowners if approval for the scheme allows progress to this stage. The relevant landowners have already been contacted by the ecology team who required permission to enter private land to carry out ecology surveys in preparation for this scheme.

Where necessary, verges, hedges and field boundaries will be re-designed, along with field accesses and walls. The redesign includes the translocation or replacement planting of hedges and trees. Ensuring that the scheme brings a net benefit to biodiversity is fundamental of Monmouthshire County Council and a requirement for Welsh Government funding of the scheme.  The scheme will be appropriately assessed for ecological constraints and opportunities as part of the active travel project. Monmouthshire County Council’s Green Infrastructure team will work closely with the project team to ensure that impacts are minimised and opportunities are maximised to contribute towards nature recovery.

Contact us

If you would like to contact the project team, please email ActiveTravel@monmouthshire.gov.uk  

Useful links

New draft Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (not yet adopted)

https://www.gov.wales/welsh-transport-appraisal-guidance-weltag-2022

Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance 2017

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2017-12/welsh-transport-appraisal-guidance.pdf

Active Travel Design guidance

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-01/active-travel-act-guidance.pdf

Llwybr Newydd – The Wales Transport Strategy 2021

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2021-03/llwybr-newydd-wales-transport-strategy-2021-full-strategy_0.pdf

Monmouthshire Community and Corporate Plan

Community and Corporate Plan – Version 3.0_Council.pdf (monmouthshire.gov.uk)


Castle Meadows FAQ

As part of the Welsh Government Active Travel funding achieved in 2023/24, phase 1 construction works on the Llanfoist to Abergavenny Active Travel Bridge are to be commenced in September 2023.

What work is being done?

The only works that are programmed this year are associated with the active travel crossing at Llanfoist Bridge. Specifically, it is proposed to implement part of the southern embankment ramp works associated with the new bridge (see attached plan red highlighted area to immediate north of Bridge Inn pub grounds), which will satisfy the requirements of the planning permission, which requires works to be commenced on site by 4th October 2023. The construction will comprise the formation of at-grade base foundations for the southern bridge ramp.

When will it start and end?

The initial southern embankment ramp works will be undertaken from mid-September (estimated W/C 18th September 2023) and will last approximately 4 weeks in total.

When will the bridge be finished?

At present MCC are procuring a contractor to undertake the main Llanfoist to Abergavenny Active Travel Bridge works. It is proposed that the contractor would undertake most of the construction (paths, ramps, bridge itself) mid next year, with this currently scheduled to be completed by December 2024.

What about the biodiversity of the site?

We appreciate that the River Usk and adjoining Meadows are rich in wildlife and biodiversity, including otters.   We are currently working closely with NRW and local stakeholders to ensure that the proposals do not impact on the otters and/or any other wildlife through all phases of construction.

Through the planning process NRW has been consulted on the proposals to improve existing paths through Castle Meadows, where an open dialog ensures any concerns are addressed.  MCC consultants, WSP, have undertaken extensive surveys and have provided evidence to MCC to support the scheme proposals and overall application process.

What is happening with the Castle Meadows paths?

The Castle Meadows paths do not yet have planning permission, these will be considered by a future MCC Planning Committee and the outcome of this will determine the next steps. If successful, funding will be sought to construct the paths for financial year 2024/25. More information on the Castle Meadows paths and the wider Llanfoist to Abergavenny scheme can be found below.


Why are we doing the scheme?

The Abergavenny to Llanfoist Active Travel scheme is aiming to make a safer route for walking, cycling, and wheeling between the settlements. This incorporates a new bridge across the Usk, which gained planning permission in 2018, and links either side. The pathways through Castle Meadows are to be improved to Active travel standards to improve accessibility for all.

The Active Travel (Wales) act aims to reduce the amount of car journeys by improving the active travel routes between trip attractors. This in turn aims to reduce pollution, improve health and equality.

What are the overall plans?

The bridge plans:

The bridge gained planning in 2018, which can be seen here: Search for 2018/00408 https://planningonline.monmouthshire.gov.uk/online-applications/

Construction is due to commence late Summer/early Autumn 2023, with the bulk of construction work in 2024. The timings of works are affected by river levels and ecological restrictions.

Meadows plans can be seen below:

What are we doing in financial year 2023/24 on this scheme?

This application concentrates on the Active Travel links needed between the areas of Llanfoist and the main town of Abergavenny. It is based on a new Active Travel bridge and associated links that will deliver a number of Active Travel benefits. The overall outcome of the scheme seeks to deliver

  • A new pedestrian/cycle bridge across the River Usk about 50 metres east of the existing Abergavenny Stone bridge (a scheduled monument and also Grade II* listed).
  • Further connections in the form of an off-road Active Travel route through Castle Meadows into the town centre and on to the train station.
  • Improved links to Llanfoist from the new bridge.

The new bridge will become the main river crossing between Llanfoist and Abergavenny for Non-Motorised Users (NMU’s).  This will significantly reduce the risks associated with the existing narrow footway over the existing Abergavenny Bridge and encourage greater modal shift as a result.  It is also important to ensure effective connections from the bridge (new and existing) into the town centre, to housing settlements in Llanfoist and other key destinations, so there is a seamless route.  Welsh Government has in the past funded previous studies on the Llanfoist Bridge.  The bid seeks funding to complete critical stages in the development of the Active Travel network between the Llanfoist settlement and the centre of Abergavenny town.

Active Travel Bridge

The scheme is listed in the LTP programme as 4th highest non-Metro priority. The scheme is Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) highest Active Travel Network Map (ATNM) priority for Abergavenny based on our recent Engagement phase and previous data. The scheme seeks to deliver a new pedestrian/cycle bridge across the River Usk about 50 metres east of the existing Stone bridge which is a Scheduled Monument and Grade II* listed. The new bridge has been sympathetically designed by a renowned bridge Architect and it is proposed that it will become the main river crossing between Llanfoist and Abergavenny for non-motorised users. This will significantly reduce the health and safety risks associated with the existing narrow footway over the existing Bridge. Tasks to include: address pre-commencement planning conditions, procure contractor/s, purchase materials for bridge, implement bridge and associate links and Property Floor Resilience (PFR) measures.

Castle Meadows

The scheme seeks to provide improved Active Travel compliant pedestrian and cycle links across Castle Meadows and Ysbytty Fields linking Llanfoist (via Llanfoist foot and cycle bridge) to Abergavenny town centre and Abergavenny rail station.  Tasks to include:

  • Castle Meadows – achieve planning permission, address any pre-commencement conditions, achieve FRAP for River Gavenny bridge, procure a contractor.
  • Ysbytty Fields (including A40/Station Road crossing) – subject to successful land negotiations, undertake further surveys, firm up design, submit planning, achieve planning permission, address any pre-commencement conditions, procure a contractor.

Llanfoist Links

The scheme seeks to provide improved Active Travel compliant pedestrian and cycle links between Llanfoist and the new Llanfoist foot and cycle bridge – where pedestrians and cyclists can then continue their journey onwards via Castle Meadows and Ysbytty Fields to Abergavenny Town Centre and Abergavenny Rail Station.  Tasks to include: completion of WelTAG Stage 3 Study (including associated surveys, and design), prepare tender pack, enquire and submit planning (if required) and any pre-commencement planning conditions, procure contractor/s, and begin construction.

What is the current planning application for?

The planning application DM/2022/01831 is for the improved paths through Castle Meadows to Active Travel standards, including replacing the River Gavenny bridge. This application will be considered by the Council’s Planning Committee in the near future. This planning application does not include the new River Usk bridge or the paths to the northwest of the bridge linking to Merthyr Road which already have planning permission or the access points to Castle Meadows, which are covered by permitted development. It also does not include pathways on the Llanfoist side of the River Usk, these are currently being developed through a WelTAG 3 study.

Which surface material has been chosen?

During the design process, the engineering team identified many potential surfacing options which would be acceptable to different stakeholders. A preliminary choice of asphalt was made as this was seen to have the best wear characteristics for the yearly flooding events. Following consultation, the proposed surfacing material was changed to a more acceptable solution for the local populace.

The proposed surfacing material is now Resin Bound Permeable – Buff coloured.

Path alignment

The proposed alignment largely follows the existing semi-bound and cellular concrete paths, reducing the impact on the natural environment. Through the consultations we learnt that the preference was to limit the changes to the current alignment and keep the natural desire lines unchanged. By following the official and established paths, the scheme is considered more as an improvement/refurbishment of the existing, rather than new-build, which was preferential from the environmental and stakeholder perspective – not to industrialise the meadow.

Lighting

Lighting in the scheme has been removed following public consultation.

Funding for the scheme

The scheme has been funded by the Welsh Government through the Active Travel Fund, administered by Transport for Wales. This money is ringfenced for improvements to active travel routes through an annual application process on submitted schemes. All installed infrastructure must meet Active Travel guidance as set out here: https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-01/active-travel-act-guidance.pdf

Failure to meet criteria will result in the scheme not being funded.

Will dogs be required to be on leads in the Meadows because of this scheme?

No.

It is to be noted dogs must always be under the owner’s control in public, and MCC would always advise that dogs should be under close control (on a lead or at heel) around children, cyclists, cattle and when entering and leaving the meadows.

Cattle grid FAQ

Why were cattle grids chosen?

The challenges at Castle Meadows are complex, with grazing cattle for approximately 7 months a year, accessibility requirements from Active Travel guidance and current usage. After many discussions with various groups and those with experience of such challenges, it was agreed to copy a long existing design formula of a cattle grid with pedestrian gate alongside. This is used extensively on the National Cycle Network, including in Monmouthshire on the NCN 46 at Clydach Gorge without reports of any issues. Further examples can be seen at the bottom of this document.

It was agreed at a project meeting between stakeholders in July 2022 to implement a trial entrance point on the Meadows to test the grid and gate design before being implemented across all access points on Castle Meadows.

Design of the Cattle Grid

The Cattle Grid installed in Castle Meadows was designed and built to British Standard BS4008:2006. It was manufactured by a company who have over 20 years’ experience making grids without any known incidents and installed by reputable local contractors in accordance with CDM regulations.

Why were grids installed without planning permission?

The access point was upgraded through permitted development. This allows the council to improve the access point as seen fit.

Consultation

Public consultation occurred on the scheme in Spring 2022, with support for the scheme as a whole. There were comments of concern around the choice of cattle grids, which is why a trial was proposed instead of full implementation, as well as surfacing material and lighting which were addressed following public feedback. Wider consultation with other stakeholders, such as Guide Dogs and disability groups was conducted to ensure a wide variety of voices were heard.

Entry point from new Active Travel Bridge

The River Usk bridge has planning permission with a cattle grid and gate arrangement on the Meadows side to stop cattle from crossing the bridge. This can be seen below in an extract from the previously approved planning documentation:

Next Steps

These plans have been shared with the funding body and received an agreement in principle to proceed, subject to detailed design.

Abergavenny Town Council are hosting a stakeholder meeting in mid-July 2023 to discuss the scheme proposals following on from the progress made since the last session in July 2022. The project team remain committed to working with all stakeholders for delivery of the project.

What entry points are proposed now

Entry points of Castle Meadows

  1. 1.New Active Travel Bridge
  2. 2.Merthyr Rd (adj. to existing Llanfoist Bridge)
  3. 3.Merthyr Rd (adj. to service vehicle entrance)
  4. 4.Byefield Lane Car park
  5. 5.Mill St (Castle & Trial location)
  6. 6.Mill Lane
  7. 7.Ramp to Station Rd
  8. 8.Glyndwr Gardens

G.           Gavenny Bridge

Entry points 1, 3, 4, 6

Due to the location of these points, with a road or car park immediately adjacent to the entry point, close control of young children and animals is required and as such would be under supervision. The design of these access points is envisaged to be similar to those which were trialled, but with a different gate and narrower Cattle Grid.

The gate will be a slow self-closing, non-latched, push to open into the Meadows. This will have a 1.5m opening and the side of the gate would allow easy reach for those with mobility restrictions to open the gate. The grid width will be 1.5m wide to meet Active Travel standards and length currently envisaged to be 2.6m to stop cows jumping over the grid (British standard). The details of the grid (spacing and bar size) are to be confirmed following discussions with cattle grid specialists, which have been ongoing since scheme inception. It is hoped the design and alignment of the grids can be such that the natural flow of foot movement will be more directed to a gate and dog opening, the wheeled access route will be a slight deviation from visual desire.

The above will be in operation during grazing times on the Meadows (maximum late June – late January). At non- grazing times, the gates will be locked in an “open” position, providing a continuous 1.5m width entry point for all users. The cattle grids will then be either closed off with gates or covered with a continuous surface during this time.

Images above shows 1.5m grid and gate set up (Entry point 6).

Entry point 2

This access point will become secondary once the new Active Travel bridge is constructed and will be upgraded to a push gate only.

Entry point 5

The use of this entry point has been seen to be different to that envisaged by the project team, with dogs let loose well in advance of entering the Meadows. The distance from a road means dog owners feel safe to release their dogs before entering the Meadows, resulting in free running dogs on both sides of the access point.

This entry point will be a push to enter, self-closing gate, which will be 1.5m wide. The access to the gate on the Meadows side will be sufficient to wheel alongside the gate to allow for easier opening reach for those with mobility restrictions. This will be latched open when cattle are not grazing on the meadows. This set up is currently being tested on the current Gavenny bridge and has had positive feedback so far with local disability access groups.

Entry point 7 & 8

The design for these access points is still in consideration due to the infancy of the scheme in this phase.

Gavenny Bridge

The previously proposed cattle controls on the Gavenny Bridge (G on map above) are to be removed to allow free movement of all Meadow users (including cattle) across the bridge, this removes 2 gate/grid constrictions on the scheme, the cattle already cross the adjacent brook and graze both sides.

Contact us

If you would like to contact the project team, please email ActiveTravel@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Examples of similar access points

https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/projects/2020/england/route-upgrade-kennington-meadows-oxford/

CycleStreets » Photomap » Search » cattle grid

Burton Marshes – Superb Cycle Crossing of River Dee (cyclingnorthwales.co.uk)

https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3676050 National Cycle Route 52

Gate and cattle grid, Hambleton peninsula

Route upgrade: Kennington Meadows, Oxford – Sustrans.org.uk

Useful Links

Active Travel Design guidance

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-01/active-travel-act-guidance.pdf

Llwybr Newydd – The Wales Transport Strategy 2021

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2021-03/llwybr-newydd-wales-transport-strategy-2021-full-strategy_0.pdf

Monmouthshire Community and Corporate Plan

Community and Corporate Plan – Version 3.0_Council.pdf (monmouthshire.gov.uk)

Sustrans design guidance on Greenway access for routes (9.4.5 Livestock control)

https://www.sustrans.org.uk/for-professionals/infrastructure/sustrans-traffic-free-routes-and-greenways-design-guide/sustrans-traffic-free-routes-and-greenways-design-guide-contents/2019-design-guidance/part-2-design-details/9-access-to-routes

Monmouthshire Open Access Guidelines

www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/app/uploads/2013/09/Monmouthshire-Access-Design-Guide-Final-19-03-12.pdf 


Williams Field Lane to Monnow Bridge Active Travel Route

We would like to provide you with an update on the progress of the Williams Field Lane to Monnow Bridge Active Travel link proposal since the last online public consultation in February 2022.

Why have changes been proposed?

The need for an Active Travel link at this location was first recognised during Monmouthshire Council’s Active Travel Integrated Network Map (INM) submission to the Welsh Government in 2018. The link between the entrance to Williams Field Lane and Monnow Bridge is a relatively short but important link in the wider Active Travel network as it will provide direct access to Monnow Bridge and the services and facilities within the town centre. The route will connect Williams Field Lane to Monmouth town centre via Wonastow Road and Drybridge Street, and also provide connections from Rockfield Road skatepark to the town centre. At the Wonastow Road end, the proposed route would connect to another active travel route running between the Kingswood Gate development and Williams Field Lane.

The new housing development at Kingswood Gate has been one of the key drivers for changes being proposed. Local population growth will inevitably lead to more journeys and pressure on local highway network. This can result in greater congestion, pollution, and further negative impacts on the economy. Walking and cycling have a significant role to play in making transport run more efficiently. Therefore, to enable efficient and sustainable mobility, integrating planning and housing growth with transport planning from the outset has never been more important. The first two phases of the Kingswood to Williams Field Lane route have already been constructed and the proposed scheme would tie into this new route at the Wonastow Road/Williams Field Lane junction.

The study area is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Study Area

Scheme Objectives

  • Provide a coherent, direct, safe, comfortable, and attractive walking and cycling network from Overmonnow to surrounding communities, services, and facilities across Monmouth;
  • Increase levels of sustainable access to employment, health, education, and services;
  • Positively impact actual and perceived pedestrian, cyclist, and wheelchair user’s safety along and across the study area;
  • Achieve a modal shift in Monmouth towards more sustainable forms of transport for all journeys; and
  • Reduce the negative impacts of transport on the natural and built environment.

WelTAG Process

The proposed scheme will seek approval and funding from the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund and has therefore been developed in line with the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG). The WelTAG process covers the complete lifecycle of a proposed intervention in the transport system from assessment of the problem, consideration of possible solutions and scheme design, through to implementation and project evaluation. WelTAG studies are an essential part of major transport projects in Wales to help decide which are the most appropriate solutions to develop, and important in the support of bids to Welsh Government for funding grants to complete the works. Schemes such as this one are usually progressed over several years from concept through to detailed design and are then dependent on the approval of funding from Welsh Government for the construction phase.

The first dedicated transport appraisal guidance for Wales was published in 2008 and updated in 2017. In 2022 a new draft guidance has been published to reflect Llwybr Newydd, the new Wales transport strategy 2021. WelTAG involves a series of project planning stages that follow the life of a project, programme or policy from early ideas to after it is completed. There are five WelTAG stages, as shown in Figure 2. Stages 1 and 2 of the project have been completed in August 2022, and we are currently at WelTAG Stage 3.

Figure 2: WelTAG Stages

Click here to view the new draft Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (not yet adopted)

https://www.gov.wales/welsh-transport-appraisal-guidance-weltag-2022

Click Here to view the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance 2017

https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2017-12/welsh-transport-appraisal-guidance.pdf

Scheme Progress to Date

At the start of this project and in line with the WelTAG process the project team developed a wide list of possible solutions, sufficient to be able to decide whether there are any scheme options worth pursuing and to select a short list of options for more detailed consideration. The long list of options was developed based on the outcomes of the first phase of public consultation (which took place between 9th June and 2nd July 2021), engagement with the key stakeholders (MCC’s officers, Councillors, Transport for Wales, groups representing people with disabilities, Sustrans, bus operators, etc.), site visits, brainstorming sessions with the project design team and the need to align with the priorities for transport in Wales set out in the Wales Transport Strategy. The long list of options was agreed with MCC and included nine options. These nine options were then sifted based on:

  • The ability to prevent, or solve the problem now and in the future;
  • The ability to meet the objectives set and improve the social, cultural, environment and economic well-being of Wales;
  • Short- and long-term impacts to deliver multiple benefits across the four aspects of well-being and maximise contribution to all seven well-being goals of Wales;
  • Deliverability; and
  • Robustness to uncertainty and potential to drive long lasting change.

Three options were shortlisted to be taken on to the next Stage 2 of the appraisal process for a more rigorous assessment. A key to the sifting process was the second phase of public consultation, which took place between the 5th of January and 16th February 2022. A total of 133 members of the public responded to the online consultation questionnaire, 41% of which selected the current proposal as their preferred option. 28% selected Option 9 (no improvements, only routine maintenance), 20% chose Option 8&4 (cycle lane on carriageway along Wonastow Road and walking and cycling improvements on Somerset Road and Goldwire Lane) and 11% prefer Option 5 (footway improvements with cycle lane on carriageway along Wonastow Road to Monnow Bridge via the B4233). As a result, Option 2 (detailed below) was recommended as a preferred option at the end of the WelTAG Stage 1&2 study.

Subsequently, MCC commissioned a Stage 3 study and have been undertaking tasks to enable the implementation of the proposal, such as:

  • A traffic survey at the Wonastow Road/Rockfield Road mini-roundabout junction to enable a traffic modelling exercise;
  • Installation of the artificial intelligence sensors to gather anonymous 24/7 data on transport modes, traffic flow and travel patterns within the study area;
  • A 12-hour parking survey undertaken on 11th October 2022 along Wonastow Road;
  • Meetings have been held with the local Councillors regarding the proposed removal of parking in order for the route to be compliant with Active Travel Act Guidance;
  • A letter drop to residents along Wonastow Road to inform them about the proposed removal of car parking spaces;
  • A section of Rockfield Road has been added to the study area in order to improve connection with Monmouth Skatepark and Rockfield Road car park;
  • Preparation for further stakeholder engagement activities (such as stakeholder workshops, and technical meetings); and
  • A more detailed scheme design along with a Road Safety Audit Stage 4 and development of a scheme construction cost estimate.

Proposal

The proposed scheme would provide the following:

  • Widening the existing footway on the northern side of Wonastow Road to accommodate a shared use footway/cycleway 3m-3.5m wide which will be achieved through a slight narrowing down of the carriageway (two lanes for traffic will be maintained);
  • Replacing the existing Wonastow Road/Rockfield Road mini-roundabout with a priority junction, with Wonastow Road becoming a minor arm. This change is intended to discourage heavy traffic from using the aforementioned roads and to encourage them to use the Link Road instead. A modelling exercise was undertaken to ensure that the junction will continue to operate within capacity after it has been converted;
  • Providing  a simple uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on Wonastow Road, immediately west of the new priority junction. The crossing would have dropped kerbs and yellow tactile paving.
  • Providing a parallel crossing on Rockfield Road immediately north of the new priority junction.

Parallel crossing for pedestrians and cyclists provides more demand responsive and a lower cost solution to accommodate cycle and pedestrian crossing movements next to each other, compared to signalised facilities. The crossing is similar to a Zebra crossing, but with a separate cycle crossing indicated by ‘Elephant Footprint’ markings and cycle symbols located between Zebra stripes and give way line.

Example Parallel Crossing – Note: The above image was extracted from the Active Travel Act Guidance
  • Widening the existing footway on the eastern side of Rockfield Road from the new priority junction to Monmouth Skatepark. This will be achieved through a slight narrowing down of the carriageway. Traffic would still be able to use both lanes, and the existing bus stops would be unaffected (only the bus stop boarding platform on the western side of the road will be moved slightly to the north);
  • Adding tactile paving to the uncontrolled crossing on Rockfield Road, at the entrance of the Monmouth Skatepark.
  • To facilitate pedestrians a simple uncontrolled crossing would be provided to the north of the existing bus stops, with dropped kerbs and yellow tactile paving;
  • Widening of a short section of the existing footway along B4233 Drybridge Street near the  Monnow Bridge roundabout;
  • Removing sections of on-street parking along Wonastow Road to deliver the route in line with the Active Travel Act Guidance. To allow this, the scheme proposes permit parking ONLY for a large part along Drybridge Street, while still maintaining a small area for short stay. The exact layout of this parking is yet to be confirmed and will be agreed at the detail design stage. The removal of this on-street parking will be included in MCC’s Traffic Amendment Order No.11, which is due to be consulted on in May 2023.

Click Here to view the Active Travel Guidance.

[https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-01/active-travel-act-guidance.pdf

Next Stages

The next stages in the scheme development include:

  • Completion of WelTAG Stage 3 (March 2023)
  • Funding application and approval (April 2023)
  • Construction activity funding dependent and parking Traffic Regulation Order dependent (June-September 2023)
  • Post scheme monitoring (October 2023, October 2024)

Have Your Say

If you would like to provide any comments with regards to the scheme proposal, please submit this form.

By completing this survey, you are agreeing for this data to be used for this purpose by Monmouthshire County Council and by WSP (RE&I).

Your personal information will be processed by Monmouthshire County Council on behalf of WSP (RE&I). We will only collect your data for this purpose and any sharing of data will be anonymised. This form does not capture your name or contact details. For more information about privacy visit 

https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/your-privacy/

By submitting this form, you are consenting to your information being processed for the purpose as outlined above.


Milestone reached in Active Travel bridge for the Wye at Monmouth

Images: Artist’s impression of a possible design for the proposed Active Travel bridge across the Wye at Monmouth

Proposals for a new Active Travel crossing of the river Wye at Monmouth have taken a major step forward. The proposed design for a bridge for pedestrian and cyclists has now been submitted for planning. The project, which is supported by the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund, aims to create a new safe route linking Monmouth and Wyesham that avoids the vehicular traffic on the busy Wye Bridge. It is to be noted that the existing Wye Bridge pavement will remain if the new bridge is constructed.

‘Active Travel’ describes journeys with a purpose, such as to and from school or a place of work, undertaken by foot or by bicycle. The current Wye road bridge (A466) is not suitable for Active Travel purposes and a separate car-free crossing has been developed by Monmouthshire County Council in partnership with Welsh Government, Transport For Wales, Sustrans, WSP, Monmouth Town Council, Natural Resources Wales and Haberdashers Schools.

The plans can be viewed, and comments made, on the planning website at https://planningonline.monmouthshire.gov.uk/online-applications/ entering application reference DM/2022/01800.  Public access computers are available at Monmouth library if required.

Cllr. Sara Burch, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Active Travel, said: “I’m delighted that we are moving towards making this project a reality. The new bridge will make a big difference to the people of Monmouth and Wyesham and visitors to our county.  It will make it easier to walk or cycle to work in town and for children and young people to go to school. Completing this project is a priority as part of our Active Travel plans and I look forward to being able to update residents further in due course. So many people have said that they did not feel safe walking or cycling across the existing bridge that it’s right to make it a priority.”

Cllr. Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, added: “Supporting Active Travel is a vital part of our work to tackle the climate emergency. This new bridge will enable more people to leave the car at home and travel by foot or by bike away from traffic; making commuting easier, more enjoyable and more environmentally friendly.”

The bridge forms part of a comprehensive suite of Active Travel plans for the town, with improvements proposed linking Wyesham to the new bridge and from the new bridge to the Kingswood Gate development. Subject to securing planning permission and funding, Monmouthshire County Council expects to construct the bridge in 2024/5.

For more information about Active Travel in Monmouthshire visit www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/active-travel.


LIVE NOW: Wyesham Public Consultation

PUBLIC CONSULTATION: Wyesham Active Travel Links (Monmouth) WelTAG Stage Two Study

Have your say

We would like to hear your views on the list of potential options designed to improve active travel links between the proposed new Active Travel Bridge across the River Wye and Wyesham.

We recommend you view the plans via the options below and read this page to find out more about the scheme.

Section 1:

Option 1

Option 2

Why have changes been proposed?

The route from Wyesham into Monmouth town centre is heavily utilised by residents, children (traveling to and from schools), tourists and visitors. The existing pedestrian facilities are however limited, whilst there are no cycling facilities at all. Links within the study area have failed the active travel audits carried out by Monmouthshire County Council in September 2020. As proposals for the Wye Active Travel Bridge have emerged, the importance of connecting active travel links from the surrounding areas to and from the new bridge has been highlighted.

Scheme Objectives

The objectives of this scheme are to:

  • Provide a direct, coherent, comfortable and attractive walking and cycling network suitable for all users;
  • Increase levels of sustainable access to education, employment health and other key services;
  • Improve actual and perceived safety of vulnerable users;
  • Increase the number of people walking and cycling between Wyesham and Monmouth town centre;
  • Reduce car dependency and car use for short trips between Wyesham and Monmouth town centre through a modal shift; and
  • Reduce the negative impacts of transport on the natural and built environment (i.e., improve air quality, improve public realm, provide sustainable drainage infrastructure, etc.)

The Proposals

Projects such as this one are usually progressed over several years from concept through to detailed design and are then dependent on the approval of funding from bodies such as Welsh Government for the construction phase. We are currently at an early stage of the design process. The preferred option will be selected based on several aspects, including public consultation results, option deliverability (where land ownership will play a key part), cost implications, and option performance against national, regional and local objectives, ambitions and priorities.

Due to the size of the study area, the route has been split into two sections, as described below.

Route Section One – from Proposed New Active Travel Bridge to Wyesham Road

Option 1: proposes to widen the existing footway on the northern side of the A466 and A4136 to provide an off-road shared footway/cycleway from the Active Travel Bridge to Wyesham Road achieved through slight narrowing down of the carriageway and structural support of embankment. The two existing uncontrolled pedestrian refuge island crossings would be replaced with controlled crossing facilities. All side road junctions would be re-designed to accommodate an active travel route.

Option 2: as Option 1 but partially below the existing road level (between Riverside Park and Redbrook Road). A shared pedestrian/cycle route would commence from the junction with Riverside Park and run below the existing road level of the A466. A ramp would then connect it to the existing footway (bring up to the footway level) opposite the junction with Redbrook Road. The existing footway on the southern side of the A466 would remain unaffected.

Route Section Two – Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue

Option 1: one-way system eastbound Wyesham Road (In) / Wyesham Avenue (Out), after junction with Wyesham Avenue, the carriageway would revert to two-way traffic. A shared footway/cycleway would be provided on southern side of Wyesham Road to Kymin View Primary School. The carriageway width on Wyesham Avenue would be reduced and footway widened. No loss of parking on Wyesham Avenue. Potential to include links from Wyesham Avenue to Wyesham Road behind St James’s Church and through community woodland.

Option 2: same as Option 1 but westbound Wyesham Avenue (In) / Wyesham Road (Out)

Option 3: maintain two-way traffic throughout with quiet streets principle applied to Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue. ‘Quiet streets’ is a term given to urban cycling routes on low traffic speed and volume back streets, which are particularly suitable for new and less confident cyclists. Wyesham Road and Wyesham Avenue have been earmarked for a 20mph speed limit, which will suit the quiet streets principle. A cycle route would be provided on-road with traffic, with cycle symbols used to sign the route and indicate the correct positioning for cycling within the carriageway. Footways would be widened where possible for pedestrian use only. A consideration will be given to include links from Wyesham Avenue to Wyesham Road behind St James’s Church and through community woodland. There is also a potential to include a short length of Shared Use (Pedestrian and Cycleway) Footway from the Wyesham Road junction with Wyesham Avenue to Kymin View School.

Quiet Streets – DE205: CLICK HERE

Option sifting

At the start of this project and in line with the Welsh Transport Appraisal Process the project team developed a wide list of possible solutions, sufficient to be able to decide whether there are any scheme options worth pursuing and to select a short list of options (as detailed above) for more detailed consideration. Options were shortlisted based on:

  • their ability to prevent, or solve the problem now and in the future;
  • their ability to meet the objectives set and improve the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of Wales;
  • their short- and longer-term impacts to deliver multiple benefits across the four aspects of well-being and maximise contribution to all seven well-being goals;
  • their deliverability; and
  • their robustness to uncertainty and potential to drive long lasting change.

The Wyesham Road/Avenue route is currently the priority to link Wyesham to Monmouth town and is required to be designed and built to accompany the new Active Travel Bridge. Unfortunately, all options to improve the Redbrook Road route require land purchase and substantial retaining structures, which could take years to agree. This could significantly delay and even jeopardize the scheme. As such, the Redbrook Road section has been excluded from this scheme and our current focus in on the Wyesham Road/Avenue route, which will support delivery of the new Active Travel Bridge.

Your opinion

We want to hear your opinions on each of these shortlisted options. You can express your thoughts by clicking on the survey link below.

Please encourage members of your household and others to undertake the survey since your responses may not necessarily reflect the views of others.

By completing this survey, you are agreeing for this data to be used for this purpose by Monmouthshire County Council and by WSP (RE&I).

Your personal information will be processed by Monmouthshire County Council on behalf of WSP (RE&I). We will only collect your data for this purpose and any sharing of data will be anonymised. This form does not capture your name or contact details. For more information about privacy visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/your-privacy/

By submitting this form, you are consenting to your information being processed for the purpose as outlined above.