The Menai Suspension Bridge connecting the Isle of Anglesey to mainland Wales has been closed by the Welsh Government due to the discovery of “serious safety risks” causing structural damage that threatens public safety.
Mechanical issues have yet to be outlined but during last week’s review it was revealed the bridge’s suspended span hangers were cause for concern.
Options to reopen the bridge are currently under review by authorities with suggestions of temporary hanger strengthening works. A project of this scale and complexity could take 14 to 16 weeks, leading the reopening into early Spring 2023.
Originally built in 1826 by civil engineer Thomas Telford, the bridge has recently been subject to a 7.5t weight limit to reduce further damage.
All forms of traffic are to be redirected to Britannia Bridge further along the Menai Strait for the time being.
The Welsh Government, UK Highways A55 and the emergency services are in the process of deciding a plan forward to reduce public disruption.
A UK Highways A55 spokesperson said: “While this issue will cause disruption, we must act in the interest of public safety. We are currently peer reviewing the findings that led to the recommendation of closure and assessing all available options to reopen the bridge as soon as possible so people can get back to using the bridge regularly.”
The closure of the bridge has sparked pressure to build a third crossing over the Menai Strait as plans were originally made in 2019.
The £130m project was set to begin construction in early 2021. However, the plans were surrounded in uncertainty when the Japanese firm Hitachi suspended its £12bn investment deal to build a new nuclear power station on Anglesey – Wylfa Newydd.
Until further tests are carried out by the structural engineers, UK Highways A55 are urging drivers to adjust travel plans accordingly.
I've never been to Anglesey but I used to live in Holyhead