Long delays all day as Suspension Bridge shut

TRAFFIC Wales yesterday morning released a warning that “heavy congestion” was expected all day on the A55 over the Britannia Bridge - a message that is likely to be repeated many times in the days and weeks to come.

- By OWEN HUGHES Chief Reporter [e-mail]

TRAFFIC Wales yesterday morning released a warning that “heavy congestion” was expected all day on the A565 over the Britannia Bridge - a message that is likely to be repeated many times in the days and weeks to come.

The bridge was already a pinch point on the expressway as two lanes merge into one in each direction. But the closure of the Menai Bridge on Saturday - part of an ongoing saga with the crossing ~ has added to the normal traffic pressures, meaning extensive delays, particularly at peak times.

The latest issue came after engineers highlighted the need to replace bolts on critical beams located beneath the structure. This saw a 3-tonne weight limit imposed on Friday, which would have restricted the bridge to just cars and motorbikes.

But the decision was taken that this could not be enforced at this stage, with Welsh Government saying previous weight restrictions have been flouted by HGVs and coaches (see panel, right, for latest prospects).