The Welsh Government have issued a written statement about the forthcoming Phase 2 works that are scheduled to begin on the Menai Suspension Bridge later this year.
The iconic bridge is a historical and significantly important structure for the people of North Wales, as it provides a vital crossing point between Ynys Mon and the mainland. The bridge forms part of the A55 Privately Financed Initiative (PFI) across Anglesey, which UK Highways A55 Ltd. manage through a Design, Build, Finance & Operate (DBFO) contract.
‘The bridge is coming up to its 200th anniversary in 2026 and requires significant maintenance to ensure it continues operating safely for many years to come,’ says the statement. ‘These maintenance works (Phase 2), which entail full repainting and other preservation activities, were planned to begin 2 years ago but a potential defect with the hangers was discovered which forced their immediate replacement (Phase 1) and subsequently postponed the Phase 2 works until after the hangers were replaced.’
The phase 1 works were successfully completed last October and permitted the bridge to re-open to all traffic over the winter, giving much needed resilience to the area, especially during the numerous storms which impacted Wales last year, by allowing traffic to continue to cross while the Britannia Bridge was affected by high winds.
‘Unfortunately, and extremely disappointingly, due to procurement issues, additional requirements and issues in gaining necessary licenses, UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd have made Welsh Government aware that the phase 2 works are now not likely to be completed until Spring 2026,’ the statement says.
‘This will result in the works continuing during the bridge’s actual 200th anniversary date of 30 January 2026, which is not what we would have wanted. However, UK Highways A55 Ltd have committed to us that they will ensure they are completed for the summer period to ensure the celebrations, which are currently planned to coincide with Thomas Telford’s Birthday on 9 August 2026 at the height of the tourist season, can go ahead without restrictions and the bridge will be returned to its full former glory.’
(Pic: Bouncy390/Dreamstime.com)
