Following advice from UK Highways A55 Ltd and their structural experts, they and the Welsh Government decided to close the A5 Menai Suspension Bridge to all traffic with immediate effect on Friday 21 October.
According to the lates update, the Welsh Government and UK Highways A55 Ltd are doing everything within their powers, to carry out repairs to the bridge as quickly as possible, so it can reopen when it is safe to do so.
After discussions with UK Highways A55 Ltd and their structural experts, the footway across the bridge is open for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.
People must remain on the pedestrian footways and numbers will be limited.
Why is the Menai Suspension Bridge closed?
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 to all traffic.
What happened between the 7.5 tonne weight restriction being put in place and the bridge being closed?
The 7.5 tonne weight restriction was put in place on the Menai Suspension Bridge on 2 June 2022 as a precaution based on the advice received at the time. The restriction enabled further analysis to be carried out on the bridge’s suspended span hangers and a hanger replacement programme to be established.
Structural engineers were instructed to undertake further assessment and modelling work into the identified issue. This work detected a structural issue with the bridge and led to a recommendation to close the bridge.
How long will the Menai Suspension Bridge be closed for?
The findings that led to the bridge closing are being reviewed. The outcome of his review is likely to be available shortly. In the meantime, UK Highways A55 Ltd, their structural engineers and contractors are actively assessing all the available options that will allow the bridge to reopen the bridge as quickly and safety.
It is likely that temporary hanger strengthening works will be installed, to ensure the safety and integrity of the Bridge, with the bridge reopening in early 2023.
How do I cross the Menai Strait while the bridge is closed?
All vehicles will be diverted to the Britannia Bridge. Suitable diversion routes are being planned with UK Highways A55 Ltd, the Welsh Government and emergency services.
After discussions with UK Highways A55 Ltd and their structural experts, the footway across the suspension bridge has been opened for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.
People must remain on the pedestrian footways and numbers will be limited.
Can emergency vehicles travel over the Menai Suspension Bridge?
In extreme events, emergency vehicles are permitted to cross the suspension bridge as long as they weigh less than 7.5t and follow strict procedures. Access to the bridge will be controlled by a gate/barrier system which will be installed shortly.
My business is affected by the closures where can I get help?
We are continually monitoring the impact of the Menai Suspension Bridge closure and are doing everything within our power to reopen the bridge as soon as it safe to do so.
Businesses facing disruption due to the bridge closure can seek support via the dedicated Business Wales service: Supporting businesses in Wales.
What happens if the Britannia Bridge is closed?
It is very uncommon for the Britannia Bridge to close. In the last five years, the bridge has been closed to high-sided vehicles, on average, seven times a year.
The Welsh Government and the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agents are developing further strategies with the aim of increasing the resilience on the Britannia Bridge and mitigate the risk of both bridges being closed in exceptional circumstances.
Why is the Network Rail maintenance on the Britannia Bridge continuing?
The maintenance that Network Rail is undertaking on the Britannia Bridge will improve the long-term resilience of the bridge.
The Welsh Government sought assurance from Network Rail and their sub-contractors regarding the work as it will require a limited number of 20 min closures between 12am and 5am on the nights work is planned. This is when traffic volumes are approximate 10% of the daily peak and so disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum.
The Welsh Government understand the concerns that these works are ongoing whilst the Menai Suspension Bridge is closed to vehicles. The works had already started before the closure and were put on hold to determine the best way forward. Following discussions with stakeholders, it was agreed that they can continue as they are improving the resilience of Britannia Bridge and will help to reduce the risk of future unplanned closures. The 20 minutes wait is a maximum. However, during the last 18 months of these works, the wait has not been the full 20 minutes.
How long are the Network Rail works expected to last on Britannia Bridge?
Network Rail are condensing their work programme to 4 weeks to minimise disruption. It is now planned to end on 25 November. The works will be undertaken at night, when traffic flow is lighter. Consideration has also been given to the ferry traffic using the bridge. The timing and methodology of the works have been designed to allow Network Rail to work safely whilst keeping traffic moving as far as possible.
Will emergency vehicles be able to cross Britannia Bridge during the 20-minute closures?
Yes. The closures will not impact blue light emergencies, who will be able to cross throughout the works.
How is public transport access being improved whilst the Menai Suspension Bridge is closed?
The Welsh Government is working closely with stakeholders and public transport operators to see what additional services can be implemented.
Transport for Wales (TfW) will be allowing Coleg Llandrillo Menai students to travel for free on their services while the bridge is closed. Students will be able to use their 16+ education bus passes from Isle of Anglesey County Council to travel free between Holyhead and Bangor. This will be valid from all stations on Anglesey for journeys made Monday to Friday to or from Bangor. The scheme will end when the bridge reopens early next year.
