Welsh Government pledges third bridge across Menai Strait

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 06:04 · Archive

The Welsh Government has announced plans to develop a third crossing between Anglesey and Gwynedd, with Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper reaffirming the government's commitment to the people of Anglesey. The new route, positioned east of the existing Britannia Bridge, could cost around £670 million, significantly higher than the £400 million estimate from eight years ago under a previous Welsh Government administration.

The project is expected to take eight to ten years to complete, with Mr Hooper acknowledging the frustration of residents who face regular disruption to journeys across the Menai Strait when the two existing bridges—the Menai suspension bridge and the Britannia bridge—are restricted or closed. The review confirmed that resilience remains the key challenge for communities, businesses and travellers on Anglesey and across North Wales.

One proposal previously put forward suggests a design incorporating Welsh mythology: Pont Bendigeidfran would feature a 120-foot golden statue of the giant from the Mabinogion tales holding up the crossing. The design, first proposed by chartered civil-engineer Benji Poulton around 2017, attracted hundreds of signatures on a petition. Mr Hooper acknowledged that significant work remains before construction can begin but pledged: 'We are committed to developing the third bridge.'

How it is being reported

• What you think of 'mythical giant' idea as work on third Menai crossing announcedYou have been getting in touch to share your views on a unique idea for what will be the new bridge linking Gwynedd to Anglesey.North Wales Chronicle · 14 Oct, 05:02
• What you think of 'mythical giant' idea as work on third Menai crossing announcedYou have been getting in touch to share your views on a unique idea for what will be the new bridge linking Gwynedd to Anglesey.North Wales Pioneer · 14 Oct, 05:02
• Third Menai crossing pledged despite eight to 10-year wait for completionA Welsh Government minister has insisted a third bridge over the Menai will be built, although he may not be the “one cutting the ribbon” in 10 years time. Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper visited Menai Bridge, Anglesey yesterday to reaffirm the Plaid Cymru government’s “commitment” to the people of Anglesey that a new crossing will be built.North Wales Chronicle · 13 Oct, 13:00
• Could 'Mabinogion' design be revisited with plans for third Menai crossing announced?Could a unique design once put forward for a third bridge across the Menai Strait still yet come to fruition now that plans for another crossing have been confirmed?North Wales Chronicle · 12 Oct, 15:07

In this story: Mark Hooper · Welsh Government · Anglesey · Menai Strait · Benji Poulton

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