Major update on plans to replace 'vital' bridge used by thousands every day
A new bridge is set to be built on the A494 to span the River Dee. The preferred option for the long-running scheme to upgrade the key crossing, with a time when work is scheduled to start on, has now been announced.
The Welsh Government said a new bridge was needed, as the existing bridge across the Dee deteriorates. Inspections and monitoring to date have concluded the frequency of repairs and the risk of major repair and intervention requiring the closure of the bridge, is growing year-on-year.
Five possible options were looked at during a public consultation.. This confirmed there was strong support for Option E, with further work carried out to address some of the comments raised, the Welsh Government said. Construction is now expected to begin in late 2026 to early 2027.
A statement by the Welsh Government said: "Option E is therefore announced as the preferred option as it is the most affordable, has a lower environmental footprint and is the most practical to deliver. It will will provide a new single bridge structure with full provision for active travel within the new bridge.
"Work at the railway would be minimised with the existing highway verge area through the structure being reconfigured to facilitate an up to 3km of new and improved active travel paths.
"The preliminary design, which considers the environmental and engineering issues in more detail, continues to be developed, taking account of the comments made during the consultation. The next stage will be to publish draft Orders and an Environmental Statement which will allow stakeholders to comment, support or object to the proposals. This is programmed for Autumn 2025 and public exhibitions will be held during this period where officials and the project team will be available to answer any queries."
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: 'Fixing our roads is a priority for this government and we are moving ahead with the plans for a replacement for the A494 Dee Bridge. I'm pleased today to be able to announce the preferred option, which is the most cost-effective and has the least environmental impact. The plans can now move ahead to the next stage with a view to publish the draft orders later this year.
'I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation on the future of this vital road link. Along with our plans for improved bus and rail travel in the region, the replacement bridge will further strengthen the transport infrastructure in North Wales.'
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