A new bridge and link road, which could significantly reduce congestion and journey times into the city centre from east Cardiff, could be built in Llanrumney if new council plans are given the go-ahead.

And in a further boost for the area the Council has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art Outdoor Sports Complex providing new facilities for Llanrumney's local football and rugby clubs.

The proposals - which form part of the East Cardiff Industrial Strategy - would link Llanrumney with the Pentwyn Park & Ride site, bringing much-needed investment to the east of the city and giving better access to job opportunities for local residents.

Currently all commuter traffic heading towards the city centre from the wards of Llanrumney, Rumney, Trowbridge and to an extent St Mellons have to use Newport Road which causes significant congestion during peak periods. 

The new bridge and link road would allow residents easy and direct access to the park & ride site, where they could catch public transport to the city centre using a dedicated bus lane, significantly cutting journey times and congestion.

Cllr Russell Goodway, Cabinet Member for Investment and Development at Cardiff Council said: "The Cardiff East Industrial Strategy has now been approved by the Cabinet and a key part of this strategy is improving transport links from the east of the city to the city centre. The new bridge and link road will give the residents of Llanrumney direct access to the park & ride facility, making journey times into the city centre by bus significantly quicker than travelling by car.

"Travel by train from the east of the city isn't currently viable, as the most easterly train station is at Cardiff Bay. However, the development of the new Cardiff Parkway Station will be a game changer and it is anticipated that a planning application will be submitted in spring 2020, with the construction expected to be completed and the station operational by 2023. The broader development of the business park will then be completed over a 10-year period.

"For those travelling by road, to ensure that the new bridge and link road isn't used as a through-route during busy periods, restrictions will be put in place and enforced through a ‘bus gate', which will only allow buses to use the new bridge during these times. This will ensure that the new infrastructure benefits the communities that it is being built for, to ensure quick and easy access to the Park & Ride site and onward travel by bus rather than providing a rat-run for motorists.

"For those who chose to walk or cycle, a new river corridor will also be built to improve the shared footpaths and cycle routes including a new foot and cycle bridge."

The Council plans to raise funding to pay for the new infrastructure by intensifying development on Council owned land in the area. Once funding is in place the Council's Cabinet will be asked to approve a tender process in spring 2020 so that a contractor can be appointed to deliver the new bridge and link road.

As part of the proposals the Council has been in discussions with both local football and rugby clubs, so that new sporting facilities can be built in the area.

An agreement has now been reached that will provide competition standard pitches for Llanrumney Football Club and Llanrumney Rugby Club as well as a number of maintained minis pitches and a new shared clubhouse. The new facilities will also provide access for training on a new 3G pitch. At weekends a number of 3G pitches will also be available to host Cardiff district minis, juniors, youths and seniors' fixtures for both football and rugby.

Cllr Goodway added: "The new Outdoor Sports complex will provide a fantastic new facility in Llanrumney and is a collaboration with key partners in the area. To ensure that the development strategy is effective, the Council has to relocate the current pitch which is at the front of Llanrumney Hall to land which cannot be developed for housing.

"In return we will provide improved facilities for local teams as well as a sports destination for the city."