The Menai Bridge will be fully reopened on Saturday 2 November until February next year, following works which saw a lane closure, temporary traffic signals and a 7.5-tonne weight restriction imposed.
The Welsh government said that, as a result of the “excellent progress” made on the works which saw all 168 hangers on the bridge replaced, phase one of the programme will be completed on schedule.
The start of phase two works, which includes the repainting of the bridge, will be paused for four months (November 2024 – February 2025) to allow for the full reopening of the bridge, including the lifting of the 7.5-tonne weight limit, over the winter period, allowing trucks up to 40 tonnes to use the bridge.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth confirmed the weight increase and added that maintenance work on the bridge is expected to resume in February.
The Welsh government said the temporary reopening will bring a number of benefits.
These include:
- A smoother and more efficient delivery of phase two works, due to improved weather conditions.
- An alternative route if the Britannia Bridge (A55) is impacted by severe weather (high winds), incidents and emergencies.
- This will also help prevent HGVs and other vulnerable vehicles not being able to cross the Menai Straits due to the 7.5-tonne weight limit being temporarily lifted.
- Improved local business opportunities, especially during the Christmas period.
- Holyhead Port remaining operational for longer.
- Enabling the ‘Always Aim High’ Anglesey Half Marathon to use the Menai Suspension Bridge as part of their route for the event, attracting new business opportunities for the local community.
The Cabinet Secretary Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “The completion of phase one works is great news. It has been a challenging time, and I want to place on record my thanks to everyone affected by the works.
“We’ve listened to the feedback from local communities and have decided to pause the start of phase two works to allow for the full reopening of the bridge over the winter period.
“But rest assured this delay will not affect the 200th anniversary of the bridge in January 2026.”
A period of communication will take place with the general public and stakeholders before the start of phase two of the works.
