'We've never ruled out a third Strait crossing'

FM Eluned Morgan says improving Menai Strait crossings would cost "a huge amount" but MS Rhun ap Iorwerth calls the Welsh Government's attitude "short-sighted". Andrew Forgrave looks at the issues and the options

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THE Welsh Government has never ruled out a third crossing across the Menai Strait, the country's First Minister has said.

The issue was again thrown into the spotlight by the sudden closure of Menai Suspension Bridge at the weekend, sparking traffic chaos on the A55.

Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday, First Minister Eluned Morgan acknowledged the “massive inconvenience” caused by the closure of Thomas Telford's 199-year-old bridge.

She was responding to questions raised by Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth, who said the latest faults found posed “serious questions” about its ongoing maintenance.

The Plaid Cymru leader added: “This also highlights again Welsh Government's shortsightedness in scrapping plans for a third bridge in 2023.

“Now we have to make the case once again for a new bridge, but let's at the very least take some (interim) measures. I've long advocated a three-lane system, for example. Will this latest development prompt the Welsh Government to take this issue seriously, and introduce measures to improve resilience across the Menai Strait?”