Bridge shuts three times in two days due to overweight vehicles

A bridge in north Wales has closed three times in about 24 hours after suspected overweight vehicles crossed it, causing traffic disruption.

The Menai Suspension Bridge, which links mainland north Wales to Anglesey, has been restricted to vehicles under 7.5 tonnes since repair works began in October 2022.

Closures on Tuesday and Wednesday triggered inspections and repeated shutdowns, reportedly causing long tailbacks during the Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey.

Local councils apologised for the disruption and reminded drivers to follow the weight limits.

The Welsh government said traffic lights would operate from Wednesday evening, with operatives turning away vehicles over the weight limit.

The Grade I listed bridge was opened in 1826, and has its 200th anniversary in January.

The bridge closed in October 2022 because of defects in the hangers which link the suspension chains and the road.

It reopened to vehicles four months later, but took until late 2024 to fix the hangers.

Traffic lights and weight limits are regularly in force on the bridge, one of two crossings linking Anglesey to the rest of Wales.

On Tuesday morning, it closed briefly after an overweight vehicle crossed, prompting an inspection before reopening at 13:00 BST.

On Wednesday, it shut again at 12:00 due to another heavy vehicle, reopening 50 minutes later, but then closed once more at 13:30 and remained shut until about 15:30.

Anglesey and Gwynedd councils said a "precautionary inspection" was being carried out after a suspected breach of the weight limit and the bridge would reopen only when confirmed safe.

The Urdd Eisteddfod advised anyone delayed in traffic to contact organisers if they were concerned about arriving on time.

Gary Pritchard, leader of Anglesey council, said it was "extremely frustrating once again to see the bridge have to close, and all because someone did not adhere to the weight requirements for the bridge".

"It's frustrating not only for us as a council, it's frustrating for me as a resident of the island who has to fight through the traffic myself."

Pritchard encouraged people to "abide by the restrictions", saying "they are there for a reason".

However, he stressed how two bridges connecting the island to mainland Wales was "not sufficient".

"We need a sensible conversation about how to improve the resilience of our connection as an island with the mainland," Pritchard added.

Helen Jenner, Reform MP for Bangor Conwy Môn constituency, said "something needs to happen" to address the ongoing issues and said she would personally support a third bridge.

She said local residents feel little improvement has been made since the original closure and "things have gotten worse".

Jenner, Reform UK Wales's deputy leader, also noted that First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth had previously described the situation as "extremely frustrating" in opposition, and urged it to become a priority.

She added that while a third bridge is not Reform policy, she believed it would make sense, warning that long traffic delays were discouraging visitors to the island.

Two Plaid Cymru MPs for the Bangor Conwy Môn constituency have written to Transport Minister Mark Hooper seeking details of talks between the Welsh government and the UK Highways A55 company - which is responsible for the bridge - on enforcing weight limits and preventing violations on the bridge.

Mair Rowlands and Elfed Williams said "the adverse effect of closing the bridge at short notice has been even more evident in recent days considering the increase in traffic travelling to and from Anglesey for the Urdd Eisteddfod".

They requested a meeting to discuss long-term solutions for crossings to Anglesey and urged the issue to be prioritised after "years of inaction".

The Welsh government said it recognised the importance of having reliable links between Anglesey and the mainland, and was "working with partners to keep routes open and reduce the level of disruption".

Following recent breaches, it said traffic lights would be in operation on the bridge from Wednesday night and for the duration of Urdd Eisteddfod, with operatives turning away vehicles which are over the weight limit.

It said those who fail to comply will be referred to the police, adding the presence of police and Welsh government traffic officers would also increase to support compliance.

North Wales Police said it had "carried out routine visibility patrols in the area during peak traffic periods".