Backing for third Menai crossing from goverment

Bid to impove ‘resilience’ part of larger package of proposals

- By OWEN HUGHES Chief Reporter

A THIRD Menai crossing is part of a new Regional Transport Plan that has been backed by Welsh Government.

The Corporate Joint Committee for North Wales - which is made of Ambition North Wales and members of the region’s six local authorities - has developed a plan for the next five years.

It is part of a more strategic approach to improving transport in each region of Wales that will form a basis for local leaders to have a greater say in decisions about Welsh Government transport funding.

This plan includes proposals to improve the road network, train and bus services, and active travel. It was submitted to the Welsh Government earlier this year.

This has now been approved by Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales.

The transport “aspirations” for the region include a third Menai crossing.

The issue of resilience over the Menai Strait that separates Anglesey and Gwynedd has been highlighted in recent years by the closure of the Menai Suspension Bridge and frequent weather disruptions on the Britannia bridge.

The report states that the crossing was crucial for employment, key services like access to hospitals, vital for businesses, and for the port of Holyhead.