Written question WQ87527
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
Following the scrapping of the third Menai crossing, what procedures does the Welsh Government have in place to ensure there will be constant road access between Anglesey and the mainland?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change
The Menai Suspension Bridge is now open to traffic up to 7.5 Tonnes, following completion of the recent emergency works. This is only a temporary arrangement until all the hangers are replaced with new units at which point it should then open to all traffic. Further information can be found at A5 Menai Bridge: frequently asked questions | GOV.WALES
The Britannia Bridge is more susceptible to restrictions or closure as a result of severe weather, specifically high winds, but last year we were able to undertake a further review of our high wind strategy and as a result amend the restriction thresholds resulting in the bridge remaining open for longer for HGVs. Details of the procedures can be found at A55 Britannia Bridge High Winds | Traffic Wales
Our National Transport Delivery Plan 2022 to 2027 highlights the need to develop options to ensure the resilience of crossing the Menai Straights in a way that supports modal shift, aligned to tests set out in Welsh Government's response to the Roads Review. We have asked the North Wales Transport Commission to make recommendations about how this is best achieved and will keep an open mind on what the right solution might be.