The consultation which begins today and lasts until Friday, 9 March will look at four options for increasing capacity and improving network resilience across the Menai Strait with the aim of a preferred route being announced in summer 2018.
The options are:-
Red Option:
- New bridge directly to the west of Britannia Bridge
- Improvements at A55 Junction 8A
Pink Option:
- Extension of Britannia Bridge / new bridge immediately east of existing bridge to provide extra traffic lanes
- Improvements at A55 Junction 8A
Orange Option:
- New bridge directly to the east of Britannia Bridge
- Improvements at A55 Junction 8A
Purple Option:
- New bridge to the east of Britannia Bridge
- Improvements at A55 Junctions 8 and 8A
All Options contain facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Menai Strait either on the new bridge or the existing Britannia Bridge.
The £3 million design and development stage of the third crossing is part of the two-year budget agreed by the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said:
“I am absolutely committed to the development of a third Menai crossing which will bring many benefits to the area including addressing congestion on the existing Britannia Bridge and ensuring our road network is ready for major projects such as Wylfa Newydd.
“The Welsh Government is investing £600 million in transport infrastructure improvements across North Wales over the coming years to ensure the region has the modern and high quality transport system it needs to develop its potential for economic growth.
“The third Menai crossing is an imperative part of our plans to improve capacity, reliability and journey times as well as strengthen the network’s resilience. We are aiming to start construction by the end of 2020.
“This is a significant development for the area and I encourage everyone with an interest to contribute to this consultation. These views will form an important part of the preferred route decision process.”
People are also welcome to attend the Public Consultation Exhibitions which are also being held at the Memorial Hall in Llanfairpwll on 16 and 17 January and Ty Menai in Park Menai Business Park on 23 & 24 January between 10am-8pm.
Further details of the proposals, public exhibitions and how to share your views can be found at: https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/a55-3rd-menai-crossing
Follow this news feed: Welsh Government