Britannia Bridge tidal flow safety risk appraisal

What is a tidal flow system? 

Some roads use a lane that change direction depending on how busy the traffic is. In the morning, you might use the flexible lane to travel in one direction. Then in the afternoon, you might use the lane to travel the other way. The lane would change depending on which direction has more cars. This is a tidal flow system. 

How would it work on the Britannia Bridge? 

On Britannia Bridge, this would involve creating a third lane in the middle. The middle lane might be used for traffic towards the mainland in the morning. And then in the afternoon, traffic towards Anglesey can use the lane. This could give drivers more room during the busiest times. 

What we looked at

To check whether this would be safe, we reviewed: 

• earlier studies on the idea 
• data on traffic levels and past collisions 
• the physical size and layout of the bridge 
• views from people with an interest in the bridge 

We also considered if a flexible lane would be safe enough to use if you added: 

• lower speed limits 
• signs showing which lane should be used, and  
• cameras. 

What we found 

Our assessment shows that adding a flexible lane would make the bridge less safe than it is now. Based on the current evidence, this level of risk is too high. 

We will not be adding a flexible lane to Britannia Bridge.