This project will improve issues with the River Dee bridge.
Overview
Why we are doing it
The A494 River Dee Bridge is in poor structural condition, requiring enhanced inspections and additional monitoring before being replaced.
We have looked at a range of options and aim to deliver a scheme that will:
- Ensure the road is reliable and suitable for cars, goods vehicles and public transport
- Make it easier for people to use greener, more sustainable travel options like walking, cycling, wheeling or public transport as an alternative to motor vehicles
- Cut carbon emissions throughout the project
- Protect and improve the local wildlife and nature
- Prioritise safety and minimise the impact of incidents or road closures
- Minimise disruption during construction and keep traffic moving
Current progress
After carefully considering all the technical, social, economic, and environmental factors - and listening to the feedback from the public consultation held between December 2024 and March 2025 - the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales has made a decision.
The preferred option chosen to replace the current A494 River Dee Bridge involves:
- A new bridge will be built to the southeast of the existing one carrying two lanes of traffic and hard shoulders in each direction
- Improvement works will also take place on the highway approaches to the bridge and surrounding areas, including new and improved walking and cycling paths, enhanced landscaping and biodiversity features, and better highway infrastructure such as improved road alignment, drainage, lighting and a new improved junction.
Importantly, most of the construction will happen away from the current road, so the A494 can stay open for the majority of the work, keeping disruption to a minimum.
Next steps
We’re running a consultation period from Tuesday, 30 September, to Tuesday, 11 November.
The aim is to provide the opportunity for any person or organisation to support, object or suggest alternatives to the scheme draft Order documents.
As part of the Statutory process, the Welsh Government will consider all responses to the draft Orders and then decide whether to hold a Public Local Inquiry.
Viewing the Orders
All documents are available to view in the Orders section at the bottom of this page.
They may also be viewed in-person between Tuesday, 30 September, and Tuesday, 11 November, at:
Deeside Library,
Leisure Centre,
Chester Road West,
Queensferry,
Deeside,
CH5 1SA
Monday to Friday: 9am until 5pm
Saturday: 9am until 1.30pm
Welsh Government Llandudno Junction Office,
Sarn Mynach,
Llandudno Junction,
LL31 9RZ
Monday to Friday: 10am until 5pm
To discuss the project with a Welsh Government representative, please make an appointment by emailing A494RiverDeeBridgeConsultation@gov.wales at least 3 days in advance.
Public exhibition events
We are also holding 2 public exhibitions where the project team will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Wednesday, 22 October
10am until 6pm
Ty Calon, Queensferry Campus, Chester Road West, Queensferry, Deeside, CH5 1SA
Wednesday, 29 October
10am until 6pm
St Andrew’s Church, Sealand Avenue, Garden City, Deeside, CH5 2HN
Submit your views
Any objections must be made in writing by Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
Email transportordersbranch@gov.wales or write to:
Orders Branch,
Transport,
Welsh Government,
Cathays Park,
Cardiff,
CF10 3NQ.
You must quote reference numbers qA2280938 and qA2282120, and state the grounds for your objection.
Should you wish to object, support or make representations, your correspondence will be considered by the project team and we may need to consult with people and organisations outside of the Welsh Government.
Public consultations
We invited feedback on 5 shortlisted options between December 2024 and March 2025.
Previously, we held a 12-week public consultation between November 2018 and February 2019.
Timeline
Publication of draft Orders and environmental statement: autumn 2025
Consultation period for representations: autumn 2025
Public local inquiry: spring/summer 2026
Minister's decision: summer 2026
Making of Orders: summer 2026
Site enabling works: autumn 2026
Start of main construction works: spring 2027
New bridge open: autumn 2029
Demolition of the old bridge: spring 2030