On Friday the Welsh government announced weights restrictions on Thomas Telford’s 199-year-old bridge to Anglesey. At 2pm the following day it was closed to all traffic.
Investigations by engineers working for UK Highways A55 found that some of the bolts on beams under the bridge needed replacement. They recommended that the bridge was safe for traffic to use with a new three-tonne weight limit.
However, it was decided that it was too difficult to enforce this weight restriction and it was safer just to close it for the time being.
Welsh government transport secretary Ken Skates said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to local people. I am deeply sorry for the ongoing disruption that you are facing as work continues to remediate the bridge.
“ We have explored every option to keep the bridge open safely but following this latest feedback on enforcement from UK Highways A55, who are responsible for the maintenance of the bridge, our hand has been forced to introduce a full closure.
“ I am incredibly frustrated at this latest development, and I can assure you that my officials and I are pressing UK Highways A55 for an early resolution to this issue.
“However, despite all our frustrations we must listen to the advice from engineers to ensure the safety of everyone.
“The bridge closure will remain in place until further investigations are completed in the coming days and UK Highways A55 have provided us with a safe enforcement strategy, to reopen the bridge and move forward with phase two works.”
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