Senior councillors back calls for third Menai crossing

Anglesey’s Executive has today (Tuesday, July 18th) unanimously backed calls for a third Menai crossing.

A report presented to its members included evidence to support the council’s view that an improved multi-modal crossing of the Menai Strait is greatly needed.

The report highlighted that failure to increase resilience by delivering a third crossing will compound challenges already faced by the Island’s economy and communities.

It also pointed to the limitation of both existing crossings and how these affect the lives of residents and businesses on a daily basis.

Last week the Welsh Government confirmed that a major programme of repairs to the Menai Suspension Bridge will commence in September – with the work expected to last for up to 18 months.

The bridge, which is used by nearly 50,000 vehicles a day, was suddenly closed without prior notice by the government on 21 October 2022 due to safety concerns raised by by structural engineers.

It reopened following temporary repairs in February 2023.

Both the Menai Suspension Bridge and Britannia bridges are over 200 years old.

The County Council’s findings will now be presented to the Welsh Government’s North Wales Transport Commission (NWTC).

The commission’s remit includes considering options for how the connections to and from the Island can be made more resilient in the context of recent maintenance works and the impact of bad weather events on the existing bridges.

Critical

Anglesey Council Leader and Economic portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi, explained, “There is no doubt that the Menai crossing is critical to our Island’s resilience and future economic growth. It is it is so much more than just a road scheme.”

“There was naturally great disappointment at the outcome of the Welsh Government’s recent Roads Review as it failed to acknowledge the Island’s unique circumstances and problems and lack of resilience caused by the existing crossings.”

She added, “We felt it was vital to commission our own response and I’m very pleased that this report has now secured the full backing of Executive members.”

Anglesey Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams, said, “In addition to resilience and economic prosperity, ensuring robust links with the mainland are crucial so that residents can live their day to day lives – gain access to work, education, health and emergency services.

These links also have a key role to play in maintaining Anglesey’s connectivity with the rest of the region (and vice versa) and promoting our profile and reputation.”

“Following today’s endorsement of the report by the Executive, we look forward to submitting this evidence on the need for an improved multi-modal crossing across the Menai Strait to the North Wales Transport Commission (NWTC) and further discussions with Welsh Government officials and Ministers.”