Plans for a new A494 River Dee Bridge have reached a key milestone with the publication of the draft Orders, setting out detailed proposals for the replacement structure.

The Orders, a critical legal document, outline the proposed bridge route, land acquisition requirements, and changes to existing roads. Members of the public will now have the opportunity to formally support, object, or suggest alternatives to the plans.

The consultation period started on 30 September 2025, and will remain open until 11 November 2025. If the draft Orders are approved, construction on the new bridge could begin as early as Autumn 2026, with the bridge expected to open after Autumn 2029.

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Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "Fixing our roads is a priority for this government and we are making progress with the plans for a replacement for the A494 Dee Bridge.

"I urge local people and people who use the bridge on a regular basis to take part in the consultation and have their say - we will listen carefully to people's views."

The preferred plan for the bridge includes:

• Constructing a new bridge to the southeast of the existing structure

• Upgrading highway approaches and surrounding infrastructure

• Creating new and improved walking and cycling paths, enhanced landscaping and biodiversity features

Most of the construction is expected to take place away from the current road, allowing the A494 to remain open for the majority of the work and keeping disruption to a minimum.