MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales:
The iconic Menai Suspension Bridge is a historical and
significantly important structure for the people of North Wales,
as it provides a vital crossing point between Ynys Mon and the
mainland. The bridge forms part of the A55 Privately
Financed Initiative (PFI) across Anglesey, which UK Highways A55
Ltd. manage through a Design, Build, Finance & Operate (DBFO)
contract.
The bridge is coming up to its 200th anniversary in
2026 and requires significant maintenance to ensure it continues
operating safely for many years to come. These maintenance works
(Phase 2), which entail full repainting and other preservation
activities, were planned to begin 2 years ago but a potential
defect with the hangers was discovered which forced their
immediate replacement (Phase 1) and subsequently postponed the
Phase 2 works until after the hangers were replaced.
The phase 1 works were successfully completed last October and
permitted the bridge to re-open to all traffic over the winter
period; giving much needed resilience to the area, especially
during the numerous storms which impacted Wales last year, by
allowing traffic to continue to cross while the Britannia Bridge
was affected by high winds.
Unfortunately, and extremely disappointingly, due to procurement
issues, additional requirements and issues in gaining necessary
licenses, UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd have made Welsh Government
aware that the phase 2 works are now not likely to be completed
until Spring 2026. This will result in the works continuing
during the bridge's actual 200th anniversary date of
30 January 2026, which is not what we would have wanted. However,
UK Highways A55 Ltd have committed to us that they will ensure
they are completed for the summer period to ensure the
celebrations, which are currently planned to coincide with Thomas
Telford's Birthday on 9 August 2026 at the height of the tourist
season, can go ahead without restrictions and the
bridge will be returned to its full former glory. My
officials will be monitoring the work closely, through frequent
site visits and regular meetings with the site team, and if there
is any scope for the work to be finished earlier, then it will be
done.
I am extremely disappointed that the original programme from UK
Highways A55 DBFO Ltd is now delayed. We were given
assurances at the time that the Phase 2 works would be completed
by December 2025, and I know this news will be very disappointing
for the community and others. The age of the bridge and the
fact it's a critical asset to the area means that it is
imperative that works are completed to the highest of standards
to ensure it continues to operate for the next 200 years.
