Answers to common questions about the Menai Suspension Bridge.
Contents
What is happening?
The Phase 1 works to replace the bridge hangers started on 4 September 2023 and were completed in October 2024.
The Phase 2 repainting works will start in March 2025 and be completed by the end of December 2025. So, the bridge is ready for its 200th anniversary in 2026.
The construction programme has been developed by UK Highways A55 Ltd. They operate and maintain the bridge on behalf of the Welsh Government through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) Contract. The plans have been discussed with stakeholders.
We did not close the bridge completely during the Phase 1 works, instead they were designed so that one lane remained open at all times through the employment of traffic lights. We anticipate that Phase 2 works will mirror this arrangement.
Traffic lights will continue to be manually operated during peak times, to allow traffic to be managed as efficiently as possible while the works take place.
Phase 2 works encompass a variety of maintenance works, the majority of which require large unwieldy equipment, which unfortunately cannot be removed off the bridge easily or quickly.
Therefore the traffic management will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the full programme of works.
We expect all the required works will be completed by the end of December 2025 (subject to weather). This will ensure the Menai Suspension Bridge is ready for its 200th anniversary in 2026.
To complete the work by this deadline, works will need to take place during holiday periods, including Easter, school half terms and the summer holidays.
This will allow the works to be completed as soon as possible and minimise the impact of weather delays on the programme by working at times with traditionally better weather. No works will take place during the Christmas holiday period or on Bank Holidays.
The 7.5 tonne restriction will be temporarily removed until February 2025. This should benefit the local community and surrounding area. The 7.5 tonne weight restriction will need to be reintroduced when the Phase 2 works begin in March 2025.
Once all works have been completed, it is intended the 7.5t weight limit will be removed fully.
Why did the Menai Suspension Bridge close in October 2022?
Following the planned maintenance and recommendations identified from the Principal Inspection Report 2019 to refurbish the paint system on the suspension bridge, further detailed technical analysis was undertaken. A potential issue with the bridge span hangers was identified.
As a result of further modelling, serious risks were identified and structural engineers recommended closing the bridge immediately to all traffic.
Can emergency vehicles travel over the Menai Suspension Bridge?
The 7.5 tonne restriction will be temporarily removed from Saturday 2 November 2024 until February 2025. This will allow all vehicles, including those weighing greater than 7.5 tonne to use the bridge.
The 7.5 tonne weight restriction will be reintroduced when the Phase 2 works begin in March 2025.
During the Phase 2 works, emergency vehicles will be able to cross the suspension bridge as long as they weigh less than 7.5 tonnes.
What support is available for businesses?
Businesses were encouraged to access support via our dedicated Business Wales service: Business Wales: supporting businesses in Wales.
Many smaller businesses already qualify for 100% rates relief in Menai Bridge and pay no non-domestic rates. Isle of Anglesey County Council identified 30 additional Menai Bridge businesses may also be eligible for rates relief under the retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme. The Council invited those businesses to apply.
If you think your business might be eligible for rates relief please contact Isle of Anglesey County Council to discuss further. Further contact information, including application forms is available at: Isle of Anglesey County Council: Retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme.
Businesses which are liable for non-domestic rates may be eligible to apply to the Valuation Office Agency for a temporary reduction in rateable value. To find out more, go to: GOV.UK: Find a business rates valuation.
What happens if the Britannia Bridge is closed?
It is very uncommon for the A55 Britannia Bridge to close. If it does close, it is usually only for a few hours.
When there are high winds certain vehicles types are advised not to cross during certain conditions.
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. This has helped Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to continue to cross the A55 Britannia Bridge during adverse weather events.
During the Phase 2 works, the Menai Suspension Bridge will stay open to vehicles under 7.5 Tonnes allowing most traffic to use the signposted diversion route.
If possible, the traffic management that has been put in place for Phase 2 works will be removed from the Menai Suspension Bridge during emergencies/incidents and high wind events. This will allow traffic (vehicles under 7.5T) to flow as freely as possible over the Menai Straits.