Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
Following the publication of draft Orders, an Environmental Statement and a Statement to Inform an Appropriate Assessment for the A494 River Dee Bridge Replacement scheme in September and October 2025, I have carefully considered the responses received as part of the statutory consultation process. Of the five statutory objections received, three have been withdrawn and the remaining two statutory objections are to the Compulsory Purchase Order and relate solely to matters of compensation. I have therefore decided that a Public Local Inquiry is not required and the draft Orders can be made incorporating minor modifications.
This decision is another step to complete the statutory process, and my officials will now ensure the relevant notification requirements are complied with and will arrange for the decision letter and made orders to be published shortly. This process will include a six-week high court challenge period where the relevant Order documentation will be available for inspection at prescribed locations. My officials will also continue their engagement with affected landowners to agree compensation entitlements.
The A494 River Dee Bridge provides a vital connection for cross border traffic between north Wales, the north-west of England and beyond, connecting people, communities and businesses. The need for a new bridge is driven by the poor structural condition of the existing bridge deck and therefore it needs replacing.
The new replacement bridge will include four-lanes and hard shoulders, new and improved walking and cycling paths along with enhanced landscaping and biodiversity features.
Most of the construction work will be undertaken away from the existing bridge, so the A494 can remain open during the majority of the work.
We are continuing with procuring a contractor to deliver the detailed design and construction of the scheme with the appointment planned during the summer.
Construction of this scheme could begin in winter 2026/27, subject to completion of the statutory process, with completion by winter 2029.