Menai Suspension Bridge roadworks to drag on as Welsh Government issue update
Major works on the Menai Suspension Bridge are set to drag on, the Welsh Government announced today. On October 1, 2022, the bridge linking Anglesey and Gwynedd was shut abruptly following the discovery of structural issues.
Phase one works to replace the bridge hangers began on September 4, 2023, and were completed in October 2024. Welsh Government then delayed the start of Phase two - with that work starting in March, with a planned completion by the end of the year.
But today they revealed the work will not be finished until spring 2026. This means roadworks and traffic lights will remain in place for months longer, with just one lane open.
Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth said: 'This is a huge blow for the local community, its economy and Ynys Môn more widely."
Welsh Government's transport secretary Ken Skates said: "The iconic Menai Suspension Bridge is a historical and significantly important structure for the people of North Wales, as it provides a vital crossing point between Ynys Mon and the mainland. The bridge forms part of the A55 Privately Financed Initiative (PFI) across Anglesey, which UK Highways A55 Ltd. manage through a Design, Build, Finance & Operate (DBFO) contract.
"The bridge is coming up to its 200th anniversary in 2026 and requires significant maintenance to ensure it continues operating safely for many years to come. These maintenance works (Phase 2), which entail full repainting and other preservation activities, were planned to begin 2 years ago but a potential defect with the hangers was discovered which forced their immediate replacement (Phase 1) and subsequently postponed the Phase 2 works until after the hangers were replaced.
"The phase 1 works were successfully completed last October and permitted the bridge to re-open to all traffic over the winter period; giving much needed resilience to the area, especially during the numerous storms which impacted Wales last year, by allowing traffic to continue to cross while the Britannia Bridge was affected by high winds.
"Unfortunately, and extremely disappointingly, due to procurement issues, additional requirements and issues in gaining necessary licenses, UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd have made Welsh Government aware that the phase 2 works are now not likely to be completed until Spring 2026.
"This will result in the works continuing during the bridge's actual 200th anniversary date of 30 January 2026, which is not what we would have wanted. However, UK Highways A55 Ltd have committed to us that they will ensure they are completed for the summer period to ensure the celebrations, which are currently planned to coincide with Thomas Telford's Birthday on 9 August 2026 at the height of the tourist season, can go ahead without restrictions and the bridge will be returned to its full former glory.
"My officials will be monitoring the work closely, through frequent site visits and regular meetings with the site team, and if there is any scope for the work to be finished earlier, then it will be done.
"I am extremely disappointed that the original programme from UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd is now delayed. We were given assurances at the time that the Phase 2 works would be completed by December 2025, and I know this news will be very disappointing for the community and others. The age of the bridge and the fact it's a critical asset to the area means that it is imperative that works are completed to the highest of standards to ensure it continues to operate for the next 200 years."
Rhun ap Iorwerth said the maintenance project was originally due to finish by summer 2025 but that deadline was later pushed to December 2025 after a decision was made to pause work over the winter months. He said this latest announcement means the completion date has now slipped by almost a full year from the original schedule.
The Plaid Cymru leader said: 'This is a huge blow for the local community, its economy and Ynys Môn more widely.
'The Welsh Government promised that the work would be complete before the 200th anniversary of the bridge in January 2026, but now the planned celebrations by local community groups will have to be put on hold. Businesses will be counting the cost, commuters will suffer yet more delays for longer, and there's also the prolonging of safety concerns regarding access on and off the island in emergency situations.
'I have raised concerns with UK Highways that seemingly little maintenance work was actually being carried out on the bridge. Regrettably, they have kept residents in the dark and the fact that Welsh Government has announced this news on a Friday afternoon means there is no opportunity to ask the many questions residents will have.
'This announcement, coupled with the difficulties many on Ynys Môn faced over the Christmas period with the temporary closure of Holyhead Port, is further proof that the Labour Welsh Government is not serious about making sure our island infrastructure is fit for the twenty-first century.
'I will be raising this matter on the floor of the Senedd at the earliest possible opportunity, and will continue to make urgent enquiries.'
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