Despite the Welsh Government’s best efforts to keep the Menai Suspension Bridge open for cars and motorcyclists’, feedback from UK Highways A55 around the challenges with enforcement have led to the temporarily closure of the bridge from 14:00 on Saturday 4 October. The Welsh Government only announced on Friday that the bridge was temporarily only open to cars and vehicles under 3 tons.

This decision to close the bridge that links the island of Anglesey to mainland Wales has been taken in light of recent investigations that were carried out as part of phase two works that discovered bolts on beams under the bridge need replacing. Emergency service vehicle arrangements are in place should the Britannia Bridge be affected by high winds. 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said:

“Firstly, I want to apologise to local people. I am deeply sorry for the ongoing disruption that you are facing as work continues to remediate the bridge. 

“We have explored every option to keep the bridge open safely but following this latest feedback on enforcement from UK Highways A55, who are responsible for the maintenance of the bridge, our hand has been forced to introduce a full closure. I’d like to thank the police for their support over the past 24 hours 

“I am incredibly frustrated at this latest development, and I can assure you that my officials and I are pressing UK Highways A55 for an early resolution to this issue. 

“However, despite all our frustrations we must listen to the advice from engineers to ensure the safety of everyone.” 

“The bridge closure will remain in place until further investigations are completed in the coming days and UK Highways A55 have provided us with a safe enforcement strategy, to reopen the bridge and move forward with phase two works.” 

“During this time, we will continue to keep you updated and I thank you once again for your patience.”

(Pic: Traffic Wales)