We need to make safety improvements to this bridge.
Overview
The Menai Suspension Bridge will reopen to all traffic from Saturday 2 November. 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.
See the A5 Menai Bridge: frequently asked questions for the latest information.
What we are doing
UK Highways A55 Ltd have successfully completed their Phase 1 works (Hanger Replacement). Phase 2 works (Underdeck Repainting) will begin in March 2025.
Why are we doing it
The underdeck repainting works will ensure the bridge remains in good working order and safe for all users. It will also improve its visual appearance.
Next steps
The Phase 2 repainting works will start in March 2025. It will be completed in time for its 200th anniversary 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. They were designed so that one lane remained open at all times. The lane had traffic lights to enable traffic to cross the bridge in both directions. The traffic lights were in place between 7am Mondays and 3.30pm Fridays each week. The traffic lights were manually operated during peak times, to allow traffic to be managed as efficiently as possible while the works took place. The lights and lane closure were removed for weekends. We expect to use the same system for the Phase 2 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 Menai Suspension Bridge will still have a 7.5t weight limit in place during the Phase 2 works. Once all works have been completed, it is planned the 7.5t weight limit will be removed.