July 28, 2026 - 163 views
Fresh calls for a Third Menai Crossing have been made after Anglesey County Council warned that the Island's communities, businesses and economy have been "let down for too long" by an increasingly unreliable transport network.
A new report, The Case for a Third Menai Crossing, presented to the council's Executive, concludes that a new crossing is now the only long-term solution to improve resilience between Anglesey and the mainland.
The report argues that the two existing bridges across the Menai Strait – the historic Menai Suspension Bridge, opened in 1826, and the Britannia Bridge, first built in 1850 before being rebuilt following a fire in 1970 – are no longer able to meet the demands of modern traffic.
Council leaders say repeated closures of either bridge are causing widespread disruption, affecting commuters, emergency services, businesses, tourism and freight movements, while undermining confidence in one of North Wales' most strategically important transport corridors.
The report warns that failure to improve the crossing risks holding back major economic opportunities, including the Anglesey Freeport, the proposed Gwyddelwern Power Station development, and the long-term future of the Port of Holyhead, one of the UK's busiest gateways for trade with Ireland and the wider European Union.
Chief Executive Dylan J Williams said the lack of resilience had become impossible to ignore.
"The disruption caused by the increasing number of closures to the bridges is impacting our daily lives. They have now become a regular occurrence, as we witnessed during the week of the National Urdd Eisteddfod in May, one of the biggest events in the Welsh calendar, and again earlier this month.
"Anglesey is at a turning point, but our potential is being constrained by a transport network that simply isn't fit for the 21st century. We cannot continue to rely on ageing infrastructure that fails our residents, businesses and visitors. A third crossing is essential – and it must be delivered with urgency."
Council leader Councillor Gary Pritchard described the issue as one of fairness as well as economic necessity.
"This is about fairness, opportunity and the future of our communities. For too long, Ynys Môn has had to rely on infrastructure that simply cannot meet modern demands. Every closure affects our residents' daily lives, their ability to get to work, access healthcare, attend school and run businesses.
"Without decisive action, we face a real risk of continued economic decline and missed opportunities – particularly at a time when investment through several major economic projects and our wider growth plans could transform the Island.
"A third crossing is not a luxury; it is essential infrastructure."
The report will now be submitted to the Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Kinnock, together with the Welsh Government's Cabinet Secretary for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, and Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper. Anglesey County Council is also seeking urgent meetings with both governments to discuss funding and the next steps.
Calls for a third crossing are not new.
For years, residents, businesses and transport organisations have argued that relying on just two bridges leaves Anglesey particularly vulnerable whenever either crossing is restricted.
The problem has become increasingly apparent in recent years as the Grade I-listed Menai Suspension Bridge has required major maintenance works. Weight restrictions introduced in 2022 after safety concerns forced lengthy closures and traffic diversions via the Britannia Bridge, leading to severe congestion across Anglesey, Bangor and the surrounding road network.
Even routine maintenance, collisions, high winds or police incidents can result in lengthy delays because there is no realistic alternative route between the Island and mainland.
The disruption affects far more than motorists. Ambulances transporting patients to Ysbyty Gwynedd, school transport, freight travelling to and from Holyhead Port, local businesses, tourism operators and emergency services all experience significant delays whenever one bridge becomes unavailable.
During busy holiday periods and major events, queues regularly stretch for several miles, with congestion impacting communities on both sides of the Menai Strait.
Support for a third crossing has grown across much of North Wales.
Plaid Cymru has consistently argued that Anglesey needs a more resilient transport network, particularly as the Island seeks to capitalise on investment opportunities including Freeport status, renewable energy projects and future nuclear development. The party has said reliable transport links are essential for the economy and public services, while also recognising the need for any major infrastructure project to minimise environmental impacts and respect local communities.
Business organisations, including the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council and freight operators, have also highlighted the importance of improving resilience on one of the region's most important transport corridors.
The Welsh Local Government Association has previously recognised the strategic importance of maintaining reliable connections to Anglesey, while tourism organisations have repeatedly warned that prolonged closures can deter visitors during the busiest times of the year.
However, proposals for a third crossing have also attracted opposition.
Environmental campaigners have questioned whether building another bridge would ultimately encourage higher traffic volumes rather than solving congestion in the long term. Some groups argue investment should instead focus on improving public transport, active travel and rail services, while reducing dependency on private cars.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on the Menai Strait's internationally important marine environment, landscape and protected wildlife habitats. Campaigners have said any new crossing would need to demonstrate clear environmental benefits and avoid unnecessary damage to one of Wales' most sensitive natural areas.
Others have questioned whether investment should instead be directed towards maintaining and upgrading the existing crossings, although supporters argue that this approach does little to address the fundamental lack of resilience when one bridge has to close.
The debate comes at a pivotal time for Anglesey.
Supporters believe the Island is on the verge of significant economic growth through projects including Anglesey Freeport, investment at Holyhead Port and the prospect of new energy developments.
They argue those opportunities depend upon reliable transport links capable of supporting workers, freight and visitors.
With both the UK and Welsh Governments now being asked to consider Anglesey's latest report, the question of whether a third Menai crossing should finally become a reality is once again firmly on the political agenda.
For many on the Island, the issue is no longer simply about reducing traffic congestion. It is about ensuring Anglesey has the resilient infrastructure needed to support its economy, safeguard essential services and secure its long-term future.
