Major bridge could close if staff get more abuse, motorists warned

Further abuse towards staff during repairs on a busy bridge could lead to its closure, drivers have been warned.

Workers were withdrawn over safety concerns earlier this week after a confrontation between a member of the public and staff monitoring vehicles using the 200-year-old Menai Bridge, one of two linking Anglesey to the mainland.

A reduced weight limit was put in place after the hangers - which lift the suspension chains and the road - were found to need repairs. Other work is expected to take until 2027 to complete, prompting local frustration.

Highway officials said abuse had become a "common feature" and harassment would now be referred to North Wales Police.

"The latest incident placed the welfare and safety of operatives at risk so the decision was taken to pause operations," said UK Highways A55 Ltd.

"There have been several incidents where vehicles have ignored the directions of operatives and crossed the bridge regardless.

"An overweight vehicle crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge requires a precautionary check to assess any potential damage."

Lorries over 7.5 tonnes have had to take a detour since the upgrade work was identified, with checks undertaken and traffic lights installed on the bridge.

One vehicle which crossed on Monday was found to weigh 15 tonnes although the driver said it was under 7 tonnes, Traffic Wales said in a post on X.

Some people living nearby have said there is a sense of frustration about the length of time the repairs are taking, and are concerned that restrictions could stay in place.

The Grade I listed bridge closed in October 2022 for four months when defects in the hangers were identified, with those repairs completed in 2024.

The second phase of repairs is expected to be completed by February.

UK Highways A55 Ltd said it acknowledged the "frustration that repeated bridge closures cause".

But it added permanent traffic management was introduced to address "repeated non-compliance with the advertised 7.5-tonne weight limit".

It said any overweight vehicle crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge meant the bridge required a "precautionary check to assess any potential damage".

"Should further harassment and non-compliance occur, referrals will be made to North Wales Police, operatives will leave the site and the bridge will be closed," it said.