Written Statement: Menai Suspension Bridge (6 October 2025)

I am writing to inform you of a significant development and urgent need to temporarily close the Menai Suspension Bridge. Following the latest structural investigations carried out as part of the Phase 2 works by UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd, the body responsible for the bridge's maintenance and operation, engineers recommended the immediate introduction of a 3-tonne weight limit (cars and motorcyclists) on the bridge, with enforcement. This follows the need to replace bolts on critical beams located beneath the structure. This new weight limit came into place on Friday 3 October.

Despite the Welsh Government's best efforts to keep the bridge open, we took the difficult decision to temporarily close the bridge with immediate effect on Saturday 4 October. This decision follows feedback from UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd, highlighting challenges with enforcement that compromise the safe operation of the bridge at 3-tonnes. Enforcement of the weight limit is critical and during the 7.5-tonne weight limit we have had instances of non-compliance by HGV and coaches crossing the bridge and ignoring the weight limit signs.

I fully recognise the disruption this closure will cause and want to extend my sincere apologies to the local communities and all those affected. I share your frustration and can assure you that my officials and I are pressing UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd for a swift and safe resolution to enable the bridge to reopen and allow the continuation of the essential Phase 2 works.

While we have explored every possible option to keep the bridge open safely, the advice from engineers and the enforcement concerns raised by UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd have left us with no alternative but to implement a full temporary closure. We are grateful to North Wales Police for their support over the weekend in managing this urgent situation to keep the bridge in operation during Storm Amy.

Emergency service vehicle access arrangements are in place should the Britannia Bridge be affected by high winds or any other incident impacting the Britannia Bridge, ensuring continuity of critical services. North Wales Police have assured Welsh Government they would help and assist in any further emergency situations impacting the Britannia Bridge that would require access via Menai Suspension Bridge to vehicles under 3-tonnes.

The temporary closure will remain in place until further investigations are completed. I have asked to be kept fully informed of developments and an update on progress to be provided by the end of 6 October regarding a robust traffic management plan and enforcement measures to reopen the bridge as soon and as safely as possible for the community. This is an evolving situation, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout this period and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.

Over the weekend, I met directly with UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd, local Members of the Senedd and Parliament, and the Leader of Ynys Môn to understand the situation in full and provide an update. I relayed, in no uncertain terms, the deep frustration and disappointment felt by the community and myself, a view shared by local members regarding the performance of UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd in managing this critical infrastructure.

The frequently asked questions page is being updated in relation to the issue A5 Menai Bridge: frequently asked questions | GOV.WALES and I thank you for your continued patience and understanding. I plan to issue further updates when further information is received, including any impact on the programme of works on the bridge in the longer term.