North Wales regional transport plan gets green light

Having been developed by Ambition North Wales in partnership with local authorities, Transport for Wales, and the Welsh government, delivery of the plan is now expected to commence in April 2026. The Regional Transport Plan 2025-2030 sets out a vision to improve connectivity, reduce reliance on private cars, and support inclusive economic growth. It seeks to help the region address current and future local and regional transport issues over the next five years by providing a framework for decisions on future investments. A consultation over the plan was held in early 2025, and now it has been officially approved by Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for Transport and North Wales. The plan outlines strategic policies and interventions until 2030 across various modes of transport, including active travel. Rail The strategy has announced plans to work on the Wrexham to Liverpool line as the first phase of introducing direct Metro services between the two cities. Plans show a desire to provide a direct link from Wrexham to North East Wales and Liverpool. To improve efficiency to the goal of four trains per hour, freight traffic at Padeswood Cement Works would be redirected after a sidings from the southbound mainline is installed. Proposal to double services between Wrexham and Chester by May 2026 with improved signalling and a new platform at Chester station. Further plans show a desire for a new station at Deeside Industrial Park, accessibility improvements to Shotton Interchange, and capacity upgrades to the Conwy Valley and Cambrian Coast rail lines. Highways The strategy hopes that National Highways can improve the quality of the road network, reducing journey times and the number of road accidents. Proposals include the construction of a replacement bridge over the River Dee on the A494, to ensure the continued reliability of cross-border movements. In addition, the strategy identifies better connections to Anglesey over the Menai Strait with the potential to construct a third crossing to support the old and weather-dependent bridges that already serve the island. The RTP states that the case for the third bridge should be progressed, though it acknowledges it is still in early stages. Buses The RTP shows support for the rollout of bus franchising across North Wales, which it adds should include a multi-year funding commitment to ensure it is carried out with certainty – this funding has not yet been offered. Buses would also be decarbonised under the plan, with battery electric and hydrogen alternatives considered. The plan would create a single unified bus network, allowing for the optimisation of routes and scheduling. Changes to bus service infrastructure, such as improved facilities at stations and more bus lanes, are also pitched. BOOK NOW: Place Young Things November 2025 Cllr David Bithell, chair of the corporate joint committee’s transport sub-committee, Wrexham County Council, called the plan’s approval a landmark moment for the region. He said: “The approved plan reflects the needs in our communities and the ambition to create a transport system that works for everyone – whether you’re commuting, running a business, accessing essential services, or visiting our beautiful region. “The plan sets out aspirations consistent with national policy, outlined in the Wales Transport Strategy, and the Network North Wales vision. “Ambition North Wales will provide a regional coordinated approach to the development of an integrated strategic transport service for the region.” Cllr Glyn Banks, committee vice-chair for Wrexham County Council, added: “Approval of this plan reflects a shared commitment to delivering a transport system that is not only fit for the future, but also fair, green, and accessible. “This is about connecting people and places in ways that support wellbeing, opportunity, and sustainability across North Wales.” Several other regional plans have been simultaneously announced by the cabinet secretary. Ken Skates said: “Regional Transport Plans will introduce a more strategic approach to improving transport in each region of Wales, which is better aligned with land-use planning. “They will also form a basis for local leaders to have a greater say in decisions about Welsh government transport funding. “Local authorities will now be able to come together to make streamlined recommendations about how this future funding is spent, based on their agreed delivery plan for each region. “This will ensure that the investment we make in transport is adapted to the needs of each region and informed by those who know the region best.” “It will also allow us to reduce the administrative burdens local authorities face in accessing funding.”