Deputy Minister for Transport holds urgent meeting on Menai Suspension Bridge

Urgent meeting held yesterday to tackle short-term issues on Menai Bridge.

“People on Ynys Môn and across the north of Wales have been let down for far too long on the Menai Bridge. This government is acting with urgency to put solutions in place. We are accelerating work to deliver a long-term solution and I will be updating on this work in the autumn.

But action is needed right now on a number of issues and yesterday I held an emergency meeting to tackle some of those issues.

I met with UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd, the local authorities, trunk road agents, and North Wales Police to discuss recent events, compliance issues, programme and community concerns around the Menai Suspension Bridge.

The safety and welfare of everyone is our utmost priority. The recent behaviour directed at those working on site is completely unacceptable. No one should be harassed or abused whilst doing their job. I want to reassure everyone that we are exploring all possible options to minimise future unplanned closures on the bridge, including continuing discussions on camera technology and compliance measures and further engagement with partners on enforcement activity.

We recognise the real and significant disruption being experienced by communities and businesses on both sides of the bridge. During the meeting concerns were raised about the level of public understanding around traffic management arrangements and the effectiveness of communication, on the whole, including signage and diversion messaging, as well as impacts on journey times for local people.

There was clear agreement that all communications must improve, and I am committed to ensuring regular updates on the progress of the works being made and the challenges that remain are provided to the local community.

I will remain in close contact with the senior management team at UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd and partners to make sure agreed actions from the meeting are taken forward at pace, delivery of the works stays on track, and any emerging issues are identified and addressed quickly.”