Written question WQ86946
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
Will the Minister confirm when the strategy to ensure at least one Menai crossing will remain open at all times will be published?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change
It is very uncommon for the Britannia Bridge to be close. In the last two years, the bridge has been closed to all traffic on just one occasion. If it does close, it is usually only for a few hours. Following a strategy review, wind speed limits have been changed for some vehicle types, so the bridge should remain open to more vehicles, more often and any closure will be as short as possible.
We are looking at a range of options which will enhance the resilience of the Britannia Bridge such as speed limits which will enable HGVs to cross at higher wind speeds. We do not intend to publish a strategy given the intention is to reopen the Menai Suspension Bridge without a weight limit as soon as possible. When the programme has been agreed this will be announced in the new year.
The Welsh Government are working with UK Highways A55 Ltd on plans to reopen the Menai Suspension Bridge. The current plan is that the Menai Suspension Bridge will reopen to vehicles with a 7.5t weight limit or less by the end of January 2023 (subject to material availability and weather).