Plans for a third crossing over the Menai Strait have been announced by the Welsh Government, alongside investment to improve the reliability of the existing bridges.
Addressing the Senedd today, Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper confirmed that work to develop a third crossing would restart immediately, including design work, environmental assessments, business case development and statutory approvals.
The announcement follows a review which identified resilience as the key challenge for communities, businesses and travellers on Ynys Môn and across north Wales when the crossings are restricted or closed.
The Welsh Government will also continue investing in the management, maintenance and operation of the existing bridges to keep them safe and reliable.
Practical measures planned for Britannia Bridge include wind deflectors, variable speed limits and other operational improvements to reduce disruption and keep traffic moving.
However, a proposal for three-lane tidal-flow operation on Britannia Bridge will not be taken forward, after the review identified significant safety and operational concerns.
Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper said:
“People want action, not endless discussion. They want reliable journeys, less disruption and confidence that Government is getting on with improving things and making a difference to people’s lives. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
He added:
“People on Ynys Môn and across the north of Wales have waited a long time for greater certainty about the future of the crossings. Today we are setting out a clear way forward, with action to improve the resilience of the existing crossings while immediately beginning work to develop a third crossing.”
No construction timetable or opening date for the third crossing was included in the announcement.
Local representatives welcome plans
Local Plaid Cymru representatives have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a significant change in Welsh Government policy.
In their response, they said plans for a third crossing had been delayed by the previous Welsh Labour Government in 2021 before being shelved in 2023. They said restarting the process fulfilled a manifesto commitment to improve the resilience of transport links across the Menai Strait.
Calls for a long-term solution have increased following the temporary closure of the Menai Suspension Bridge in 2022 and the disruption associated with subsequent repair work.
Mair Rowlands MS, Member of the Senedd for Bangor Conwy Môn, said:
“This news will be warmly welcomed across nearby communities to the bridge and beyond. Residents have faced years of disruption, and our local economy has suffered as a result of significant congestion.
“We understand that a project of this complexity will take time and careful consideration to deliver; but I look forward to working constructively with the Deputy Minister for Transport in the period ahead to ensure progress is made at pace.”
Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi said:
“I sincerely welcome this announcement. Since my time as Council Leader, and since becoming a Member of Parliament in 2024 I have repeatedly called for more action to improve resilience on crossings to and from Ynys Môn. It is encouraging to see more action from the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government in less than 6 months, than was done by the previous Labour Welsh Government.”
She said major economic projects, including the Anglesey Freeport, required infrastructure supporting access to and from the island to keep pace with investment.
She added:
“I will be seeking clarity from the UK Government on the role it intends to play in providing financial support to ensure transport infrastructure on Ynys Môn keeps pace with economic development.”
Cllr Gary Pritchard said:
“Residents across Ynys Môn have waited too long for a government that recognises the scale of the problems caused by the current transport links across the Menai Strait and takes meaningful action to address them. Under the new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government, it is clear this issue is finally being given the attention it deserves.
“Plaid Cymru councillors on Ynys Môn stand ready to work in partnership with the Welsh Government, while ensuring local voices are heard and represented at every stage of the project’s development.”
