Calls for ‘firm commitment’ on third Menai crossing after Transport Secretary’s comments

Calls have been made for the Welsh Government to make a “firm commitment” to deliver a third crossing over the Menai Strait.

It follows comments by new Transport Secretary Ken Skates in which he said such schemes could be considered.

Plans to create a new Menai crossing were previously scrapped by the devolved government last year due to growing concerns about air pollution. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌

It was one of more than 50 road schemes that were considered by the Welsh Roads Review Panel after they were put on hold in 2021. ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

However, Mr Skates, who was appointed to oversee transport by new Labour First Minister Vaughan Gething appeared to signal a shift in direction in an interview at the weekend with BBC Radio Wales’ Sunday Supplement programme.

At the same time, he said any new road schemes would need to be designed with climate change in mind.

When asked whether the third Menai crossing and Flintshire’s red route were still on the cards, he said: “Absolutely, they are certainly on my desk for consideration, and they’ve also been considered quite extensively by the North Wales Transport Commission.

“In terms of those two specific schemes, there is popular support for both of them amongst people who want to improve air quality in their respective areas, but also address congestion.

“But we can’t just consider the schemes that were designed many years ago, we have to ensure that they reflect the reality of the climate emergency that we face.

“I want Wales to be at the forefront of the design and implementation of new infrastructure schemes.

“Places like the Bahamas have been testing carbon capturing road surfaces and other countries in Europe are really ploughing ahead in terms of construction across all infrastructure.

“It will be net zero, and I want to make sure that we utilise new and emerging techniques and technologies.”

Mr Skates, the MS for Clwyd South, said whether the Welsh Government would push ahead with new road schemes would also depend on the availability of funding.

He added that he would be willing to hold discussions with the UK Government over how to pay for them.

But Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie said she would like to see a more firm commitment from the new Welsh cabinet over the delivery of a third Menai crossing.

The Conservative politician said: “Although this might be a welcome change of rhetoric from Welsh Labour it is still only if and buts and not a firm commitment for a desperately needed third Menai crossing that I have been campaigning for.

“I am happy to meet with Mr Skates to hear whether he is serious, and what are the next steps.

“For example, talk of addressing the climate emergency and good design is great but what does it mean when it comes to timescales and spades in the ground?

“If it requires money, then I would do all in my power to see if the UK government can help. As everyone knows, I will work with anyone for the good of Ynys Môn.

“But right now, nothing has changed here. We need a third crossing and there isn’t one even on the horizon.

“All I can say with confidence is it appears there might be a change of heart in Cardiff.

“Scraps of comfort for Anglesey but better than the outright third crossing ban of last year.”