The Menai Suspension Bridge has been the subject of numerous closures in recent years and Highways News has run several stories this year alone, with reports of overweight vehicles and worker abuse, but its closure this weekend is for an altogether different reason.

The Daily Post has revealed that the bridge will be shut on Saturday to allow for celebrations of the 200th anniversary of its initial opening to take place.

The timing of the festivities means closing the bridge in the middle of the peak summer season, with traffic controls from 6am to 10am. The bridge will then close from 10am to 2pm – after which the reopening process will start. The event will feature a procession, bands, a vintage rally, and walking tours of the historic structure.

However, it’s fair to say that the recent issues have led to a distinct lack of enthusiasm from those left frustrated at another closure.

One comment on the Traffic Wales Facebook page said:

“Celebrating the Menai Bridge’s 200th birthday sounds lovely on paper, but it’s hard not to feel like this is a bit ridiculous considering the bridge’s actual current state and the recent traffic nightmare. How about properly fixing the bridge first before throwing a party?”

On a similar theme, another said:

“For those who have to cross the bridge to work that day, this is adding insult to injury. Whoever thought it would be ok to ‘celebrate’ by further causing massive delays to workers, and others, is very much mistaken if they think they will get majority support for this.

“Surely this celebration should wait until the bridge works are finally completed?? A Saturday during August!”

(Picture: Bouncy390)