Plans to build a replacement A494 River Dee Bridge have reached
the next milestone with publication of the draft Orders.
The Orders are a key legal document that set out in detail the
proposals for the bridge, including the route it will take, the
land that will need to be purchased and changes to existing
roads.
The public will be invited to give their view on the Orders and
have the option to formally support or object to the plans or
suggest an alternative.
The consultation period starts today (Tuesday 30 September) and
is open until Tuesday 11 November 2025.
If the draft Orders are supported, building work on a replacement
bridge could start as early as Autumn 2026, with the bridge
opening to the public after Autumn 2029.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said:
“Fixing our roads is a priority for this government and we are
making progress with the plans for a replacement for the A494 Dee
Bridge.
“I urge local people and people who use the bridge on a regular
basis to take part in the consultation and have their say - we
will listen carefully to people's views.”
The preferred options chosen to replace the current A494 River
Dee Bridge include:
- Building a brand-new bridge to the southeast of the existing
one
- Improvement works on the highway approaches to the bridge and
surrounding areas
- New and improved walking and cycling paths, enhanced
landscaping and biodiversity features, and better highway
infrastructure
Importantly, most of the construction will happen away from the
current road, so the A494 can stay open for the majority of the
work—keeping disruption to a minimum.
More information about the draft Orders is available online at
gov.wales/a494-river-dee-bridge.
The Orders are also available to the public for the duration of
the consultation at Deeside Library and the Welsh Government
Llandudno Junction Office.
