Menai Suspension Bridge Closed Again Due to Safety Concerns and Enforcement Challenges

The Menai Suspension Bridge has been fully closed to traffic as of 2:00 PM on Saturday, 4 October, following concerns raised by UK Highways A55 over difficulties enforcing weight restrictions.

This comes just a day after the Welsh Government had announced that the bridge would remain temporarily open to cars and light vehicles under 3 tons.

The bridge, a critical link between Anglesey and mainland Wales, is undergoing ongoing refurbishment as part of phase two repair works. Recent inspections have revealed that some of the bolts on the beams beneath the structure require replacement, prompting safety concerns.

Although officials had initially attempted to keep the bridge open with strict weight limits, UK Highways A55 – the body responsible for maintaining the bridge – advised that enforcement of those restrictions was not practical, leading to the full closure.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, issued a public apology to residents, acknowledging the frustration and inconvenience caused by the closure.

“Firstly, I want to apologise to local people. I am deeply sorry for the ongoing disruption that you are facing as work continues to remediate the bridge," he said.

Skates added that authorities had explored all avenues to keep the bridge open safely, but were left with no alternative after receiving updated enforcement feedback.

“We have explored every option to keep the bridge open safely but following this latest feedback on enforcement from UK Highways A55, our hand has been forced to introduce a full closure. I’d like to thank the police for their support over the past 24 hours.”

“I am incredibly frustrated at this latest development, and I can assure you that my officials and I are pressing UK Highways A55 for an early resolution to this issue.”

Emergency response plans are in place in case the Britannia Bridge, the only other road crossing between Anglesey and the mainland, is affected by adverse weather such as high winds.

Skates emphasized that public safety remains the top priority:

“Despite all our frustrations we must listen to the advice from engineers to ensure the safety of everyone. The bridge closure will remain in place until further investigations are completed in the coming days and UK Highways A55 have provided us with a safe enforcement strategy.”

The Welsh Government has promised to provide ongoing updates to the public as work progresses.