Variable speed limits and wind deflectors in A55 bridge plan

VARIABLE speed limits are to be introduced on the A55 Britannia Bridge to improve the resilience of Menai Strait crossings.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

Wind deflectors, to reduce bridge closures in bad weather, could also be added to the bridge as part of a major upgrade in the coming years.

Prior to the implementation of variable speed limits, bridge traffic management equipment will also be renewed, to improve messaging to motorists.

Bus priority routes are to be developed but a proposed active travel route alongside the bridge, for walkers and cyclists, has been scrapped as too expensive.

Another resilience idea, to introduce a three-lane tidal flow system on the bridge, is regarded by Welsh Government as having "potential". A detailed study and risk assessment of this proposal has been ordered by Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales.

In a written statement to the Senedd, the minister gave an update on ideas for improving the main crossing between Anglesey and the North Wales mainland. The need for resilience improvements on Menai Strait crossings was again thrown into the spotlight following last month's sudden closure of Menai Suspension Bridge.

The minister said: "While we have not ruled out a third crossing in the future, we believe more can be done in the short to medium term to improve the resilience of the Britannia Bridge and connections between Ynys Môn and the mainland."

A series of recommendations were put forward by the North Wales Transport Commission (NWTC) and Mr Skates said "good progress" has been made with their appraisal.

Work has now been completed on several of the commission's high priority recommendations. The key updates are outlined below.

Wind deflectors

The NWTC study concluded installing wind deflectors would be effective and would "substantially reduce traffic restrictions on the bridge".