Bridge partially reopens after sudden closure

The Menai Suspension Bridge links the north Wales mainland to Anglesey

The Menai Suspension Bridge has partially reopened on Friday, six days after a sudden closure for safety reasons.

The bridge connects Anglesey to the north Wales mainland, but was unexpectedly closed last Saturday after engineers found bolts on the beams underneath it would need replacing.

The reopening sees vehicles up to a three-tonne weight limit - cars, motorcyclists and cyclists, along with pedestrians - able to cross, with a single flow of traffic off the island in the morning (07:00 BST and 13:00) and on to the island in the afternoon (13:00 and 19:00).

Traffic management is in place while the Welsh government thanked people for their "continued patience while the repairs take place."

On Friday morning, only five vehicles at a time were being allowed across the bridge.

Over the last week, commuters faced delays and disruption when they were diverted to the nearby Britannia Bridge and Transport Secretary Ken Skates apologised for any "frustrations" caused.

When accessing the bridge, cyclists will be expected to dismount and use the dedicated footway. Pedestrians will use a separate footway. Both pedestrians and cyclists will still be allowed to use the bridge overnight, but it will be closed to vehicles.

Emergency access arrangements are also being made for ambulances that are not able to cross the Britannia Bridge.

Highways officers and police were at the bridge entrances to enforce weight restrictions and traffic measures

In a statement, the Welsh government said: "We are working as quickly as possible to remove the three-tonne limit and will provide an update on an estimated timescale when further information is available.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused to the local community and thank everyone for their continued patience and co-operation as we work to resolve this urgent matter."

In a statement on Monday, Skates said he met officials from UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd and "relayed, in no uncertain terms, the deep frustration and disappointment felt by the community" in its performance managing "this critical infrastructure".

He added enforcing a weight limit was critical, and said there was some non-compliance from lorries and coaches when a previous 7.5-tonne limit was in place on the bridge.