Answers to common questions about the Menai Suspension Bridge.
Contents
Is the bridge open?
The bridge is open but a 7.5 tonne weight limit and a 3-metre height limit is in place. Vehicles that are heavier or taller than the limits should use the Britannia Bridge instead.
Why are there sometimes lane or full bridge closures and traffic lights?
Certain tasks may require a lane closure (with traffic lights) or full bridge closure. This is to allow the workers to access areas and complete their work safely.
Full closures may also be needed to protect people who use the bridge, for example if a footpath has been closed.
We appreciate the impact that these works can have on local traffic. So where possible, we try to minimise all planned lane and full bridge closures.
For more information, on restrictions and upcoming scheduled closures visit Traffic Wales.
Why are there temporary speed bumps on the bridge?
There is a speed limit of 20mph across the bridge.
Temporary speed bumps have been installed following a collision on the bridge.
They were installed to encourage compliance with the speed limit and improve safety for workers and people using the bridge.
What vehicles can use the bridge?
Vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes and under 3 metres in height are allowed to cross the bridge.
Enforcement is in place to ensure that the 7.5 tonne weight limit is complied with. Failure to comply could result in prosecution and further bridge closures.
Vehicles that are heavier or taller than the limits should use the Britannia Bridge instead.
Why is there a weight restriction in place?
We installed the under-bridge scaffolding system to allow us to inspect and repaint the underside of the bridge – a necessary part of the bridge’s ongoing maintenance.
To minimise lane closures, all the equipment needed for this work, is stored on the scaffolding which hangs off the bridge.
The scaffolding and equipment together weigh 42 tonnes.
As a result, we put in place the vehicle weight limit to minimise the load on certain points of the bridge.
What happens if a vehicle over 7.5 tonnes does cross?
When a vehicle over the weight limit, 7.5 tonnes, crosses the bridge, the bridge will need to close immediately to all traffic to be inspected for damage.
If damage is done, the bridge will be closed until it can be repaired. This may take some time.
So, it is vital that any vehicles over 7.5 tonnes use the Britannia Bridge.
Why is there a height restriction on the bridge?
The 3-metre height restriction is in place to deter heavy vehicles from crossing the Suspension Bridge.
Most vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are over 3 metres in height.
The height limit has been placed on the approach to the bridge at locations to help maximise compliance but not prevent high sided vehicles from accessing and servicing homes and business on local roads next to the bridge.
Can emergency vehicles travel over the Menai Suspension Bridge?
In normal conditions emergency vehicles will use the Britannia Bridge. However, if there are issues with Britannia Bridge, emergency services can use the Menai Suspension Bridge following special travel plans.
What repairs are being made now?
The latest works will include:
- painting the underdeck, parapets and bearing access
- repairing concrete corbels
- recalibrating the land saddle
- upgrading lighting
What happens if the Britannia Bridge is closed?
It is very uncommon for the A55 Britannia Bridge to close. If it does close, it is usually only for a few hours.
When there are high winds certain vehicle types are advised not to cross during certain conditions.
Following a strategy review, wind speed limits have been changed for some vehicle types. So the bridge should remain open to more vehicles, more often and any closure will be as short as possible. This has helped Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to continue to cross the A55 Britannia Bridge during adverse weather events.
We are investigating stacking sites on both the mainland and Isle of Anglesey which should alleviate the situation during a full closure of the Britannia Bridge for HGVs.
If the Britannia Bridge closes, North Wales Police will help coordinate the use of Menai Suspension Bridge for vehicles weighing less than 7.5 tonnes.
What happened during phase 1?
The phase 1 works to replace the bridge hangers started on 4 September 2023 and were completed in October 2024.
More information about the October 2022 closure and repairs.
What support is available for businesses?
Businesses are encouraged to access support via our dedicated Business Wales service: Business Wales: supporting businesses in Wales.
Many smaller businesses already qualify for 100% rates relief in Menai Bridge and pay no non-domestic rates. During the phase 1 works, Isle of Anglesey County Council identified 30 additional Menai Bridge businesses that were eligible for rates relief under the retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme. The Council invited those businesses to apply.
If you think your business might be eligible for rates relief please contact Isle of Anglesey County Council to discuss further. Further contact information, including application forms is available at Isle of Anglesey County Council: Retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme.
Businesses which are liable for non-domestic rates may be eligible to apply to the Valuation Office Agency for a temporary reduction in rateable value. To find out more, go to: GOV.UK: Find a business rates valuation.