May 28, 2026 - 117 views
The Welsh Government has pledged urgent action to improve the resilience of the Menai crossings after another week of disruption and repeated closures of the Menai Suspension Bridge caused by overweight vehicles ignoring restrictions.
Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper said communities on both sides of the Menai Strait had been “let down for too long” and promised both short-term measures and longer-term solutions would be announced soon.
The statement comes after a series of incidents in recent days which saw the historic bridge repeatedly closed for emergency inspections after vehicles over the 7.5 tonne weight limit crossed the structure.
Temporary traffic lights and enhanced monitoring measures have now been introduced on the bridge for the duration of the Urdd Eisteddfod, which is being held on Ynys Môn this week and is expected to attract thousands of visitors.
Mr Hooper said: “Recent restrictions on the Menai Bridge have been deeply frustrating, particularly during such an important week for Ynys Môn and across Wales, with the Urdd Eisteddfod taking place.
“We reiterate that only vehicles under 7.5 tonnes may use the bridge. Following recent breaches, traffic lights will operate for the duration of the Urdd Eisteddfod. Overweight vehicles will be turned away, with non-compliance referred to the police.”
The bridge has faced mounting pressure since permanent weight restrictions were introduced in 2022 after engineers discovered serious structural concerns linked to the ageing suspension hangers.
Since then, only vehicles below 7.5 tonnes have been permitted to use the crossing, while heavier traffic has been diverted to Britannia Bridge.
In the past week alone, multiple overweight vehicles have triggered closures and lengthy delays while safety inspections were carried out. Traffic Wales confirmed the bridge had to be shut several times after restricted vehicles crossed despite the rules being in place.
The latest disruption has renewed criticism over the lack of resilience in the transport network linking Ynys Môn with the mainland, with businesses, residents and commuters repeatedly warning of the economic and social impact caused by closures to either crossing.
Mr Hooper said additional police officers and Welsh Government Traffic Officers were now being deployed to keep the bridge open and ensure drivers complied with restrictions.
“We urge the public to respect those working on the bridge and follow their instructions,” he added.
“People in Ynys Môn and across north Wales have been let down for too long when it comes to the resilience of the Menai crossings. This new Welsh Government will act with greater urgency and focus.”
The Welsh Government said work had already begun on developing plans aimed at improving the long-term reliability and resilience of the crossings across the Menai Strait.
“Communities on both sides of the Strait deserve reliable connections, and we are determined to provide them,” Mr Hooper said.
