Lane closures planned on Menai Suspension Bridge in trial ahead of hanger replacement work

Lane closures will be put in place on the Menai Suspension Bridge as part of a trial ahead of work to fix its ageing hangers.

The suspension bridge across the Menai Strait between Anglesey and the mainland of Wales was suddenly closed in October due to concerns about the integrity of its metal hangers. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The move came as a shock to the community with concerns raised locally over the impact on businesses.

The bridge reopened to traffic with a 7.5 tonne vehicle limit at the start of this month after temporary measures were put in place to strengthen the structure.

Further work will need to be carried before it can be reopened to all traffic, which will see every one of its hangers replaced.

The Welsh Government has now announced it is set to trial a lane closure system early next month ahead of the final phase of the scheme to test the arrangements and minimise any disruption.

In a written statement, Deputy Transport Minister Lee Waters said: “A preferred method of working has been identified that will minimise further disruption, but this methodology must be tested before we can finalise the project programme.

“This means we will need to temporarily close a lane on the bridge to allow engineers to work safely and test the proposed hanger replacement system.

“When a lane is closed, traffic lights will operate part time at each end of the bridge – allowing vehicles to cross in either direction when permitted.

“The trial will commence on the March 6 and is planned to be completed within four days, though this could take longer if there is severe weather or another unforeseeable setback.

“Every effort has been made to minimise disruption in the local area and traffic lights will only be in use between Monday and Thursday, and between the hours of 9am to 3pm.”

Further updates will be provided once the hanger replacement programme has been finalised.