Written question WQ86600
- Asked by
- Natasha AsgharConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to constructing a tunnel to provide a third crossing of the Menai Straits?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change
A tunnel was considered as part of the WelTAG Stage 2 options selection study but discounted due to the significant level difference between the A55 carriageway and the Menai Strait meaning the tunnel would need to be approximately 5.5km long. The environmental impact due significant areas of land needed for the construction of the tunnel and connecting link roads, large volumes of materials to be excavated and disposed, unsuitability of a tunnel for active travel and very low benefits to cost ratio compared to a bridge solution were also reasons to discount the tunnel option.