In his first statement to the Senedd, on Tuesday, Hooper said Menai Suspension Bridge had a “series of structural issues identified through ongoing inspection, including defects in critical components such as hangers and bolts beneath the deck”.<\/p>\n
“This is a 200-year-old structure, never designed for modern traffic demands, and it will continue to present challenges,” he said.<\/p>\n
Work should be completed in spring next year “stabilising and preserving the structure, including repairs to crossbeams and bolts beneath the deck, alongside wider refurbishment such as repainting, concrete repairs and lighting upgrades”, he told Senedd members.<\/p>\n
Improvements to Britannia Bridge could include “wind deflectors” to reduce weather-related disruption, signalling upgrades and variable speed limits on the bridge so “disruption can be managed more effectively when restrictions are required on either crossing”, he said.<\/p>\n
“Looking at the longer term, we will now start looking at detailed options for a third Menai Crossing, building on the work already undertaken.”<\/p>\n
On M4 congestion at the Brynglas tunnels, in Newport, Hooper said the government would focus on speeding up “delivery of public transport alternatives, targeted measures to improve flow and resilience on the existing road network and better integration between strategic and local transport systems”.<\/p>\n