Menai Suspension Bridge Closes for Urgent Repairs Amid Storm Amy

The Menai Suspension Bridge, linking Anglesey to mainland North Wales, will close today at 14:00 for essential maintenance work. The closure comes as Storm Amy wreaks havoc across North Wales, leading to blocked roads, flood alerts, and power outages. This announcement was made by the Welsh Government, which cited safety concerns as the primary reason for the decision.

In a message posted on X, the Welsh Government Transport Department stated, “Despite our best efforts, Menai Suspension Bridge will temporarily close for essential maintenance work from 2pm today (October 4).” This closure follows feedback from UK Highways A55 regarding enforcement challenges that have prompted the Welsh Government to take this precautionary measure.

Investigations conducted as part of phase two works highlighted that bolts on beams beneath the bridge require replacement. Consequently, the decision to close the bridge was deemed necessary to ensure public safety. Emergency service vehicle arrangements are in place should the nearby Britannia Bridge experience issues related to high winds.

Ken Skates, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, expressed his remorse over the disruption caused to local residents. He stated, “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.” Skates emphasized the importance of heeding engineers’ advice to maintain safety and assured the public that they are pressing for a prompt resolution from UK Highways A55.

The Welsh Government’s decision to close the bridge has drawn criticism from local representatives. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn, described the situation as “incredibly frustrating.” He highlighted the lack of warning for the closure, similar to a previous incident nearly three years ago. Iorwerth noted, “People on Ynys Môn have been waiting years for this work to be completed, and their patience is running out.”

As the situation develops, the Welsh Government will provide updates regarding the progress of the maintenance work and the timeline for reopening the bridge. Local authorities continue to engage with the community and will seek answers regarding the recent faults that necessitated this unexpected closure.

The Menai Suspension Bridge, an iconic structure built in 1826, is crucial for transport and connectivity in the region. Its closure underscores the ongoing challenges posed by aging infrastructure and the need for timely maintenance to ensure public safety.