Answers to common questions about the Menai Suspension Bridge.
Contents
What is happening?
We are refurbishing the Menai Suspension Bridge and improving safety.
Phase 2 of this work starts in March 2025. Depending on the weather, this work will be finished by the end of December 2025. This will mean the bridge is ready for its 200th anniversary in 2026.
This phase will include :
- painting the underdeck, parapets and bearing access
- repairing concrete corbels
- recalibrating the land saddle
- upgrading lighting
Will the bridge remain open during phase 2?
Yes, the bridge will remain open to vehicles weighing less than 7.5 tonne.
To make room for the large equipment needed, one lane and one footway will be closed while work is carried out. This will alternate sides as necessary.
Traffic management will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while this work is carried out.
Traffic lights will be manually operated during peak times, to help keep vehicles moving as efficiently as possible.
A strict 7.5 tonne weight restriction will also be in place throughout. Once the work has been completed, the weight limit will be removed.
To complete the work by the deadline, work will need to take place during Easter holidays, school half terms and summer holidays. No work will be carried out during the Christmas holiday period or on Bank Holidays.
Can emergency vehicles travel over the Menai Suspension Bridge during phase 2 works?
Only vehicles weighing less than 7.5 tonnes will be able to cross the suspension bridge during phase 2.
When the work is complete, the weight restriction will be removed.
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 vehicle 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 continue to allow vehicles weighing less than 7.5 tonnes to cross the bridge.
We are investigating stacking sites on both the mainland and Isle of Anglesey which should alleviate the situation during a full closure of the Britannia Bridge.
What happened during phase 1?
The phase 1 works to replace the bridge hangers started on 4 September 2023 and were completed in October 2024.
Who is carrying out the work?
The work is being carried out by UK Highways A55 Ltd, which operates and maintains the bridge on behalf of the Welsh Government.
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.
What support is available for businesses?
Businesses are 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. During the phase 1 works, Isle of Anglesey County Council identified 30 additional Menai Bridge businesses that were 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.