Residents and motorists are being invited to submit their views over plans to build a third crossing between Anglesey and the Welsh mainland.

A total of four options have been outlined for the third Menai Crossing scheme, which will cost over £130 million depending on what option is selected;

• Red Option - New bridge directly to the west of Britannia Bridge, improvements at A55 Junction 8A

• Pink Option - Extension of Britannia Bridge / new bridge immediately east of existing bridge to provide extra traffic lanes, improvements at A55 Junction 8A

• Orange Option - New bridge directly to the east of Britannia Bridge, improvements at A55 Junction 8A


• Purple Option – New bridge to the east of Britannia Bridge, improvements at A55 Junctions 8 and 8A.

The £3m design and development stage of the third crossing is part of the two-year budget agreed by the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. All options contain facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the Menai Strait either on the new bridge or the existing Britannia Bridge.

The consultation will last until Friday, 09 March 2018 with a preferred route scheduled to be announced in summer next year.

Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said construction is scheduled to start by the end of 2020.

"I am absolutely committed to the development of a third Menai crossing which will bring many benefits to the area including addressing congestion on the existing Britannia Bridge and ensuring our road network is ready for major projects such as Wylfa Newydd," he said.

"The Welsh Government is investing £600 million in transport infrastructure improvements across North Wales over the coming years to ensure the region has the modern and high quality transport system it needs to develop its potential for economic growth.

"The third Menai crossing is an imperative part of our plans to improve capacity, reliability and journey times as well as strengthen the network's resilience.

(LM/MH)