Bridge set to partially reopen after sudden closure

The Menai Suspension Bridge links the north Wales mainland to Anglesey

The Menai Suspension Bridge is to partially reopen in the coming days, the Welsh government has announced.

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

The reopening will see vehicles up to a three-tonne weight limit - cars, motorcyclists and cyclists, along with pedestrians - being able to cross between 07:00 BST and 19:00, with the bridge closing overnight.

Ministers said "discussions are ongoing" and "confirmation of timescales and enforcement would be provided as soon as a plan is fully agreed".

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

Traffic management will be in place come the reopening, with a single flow of traffic off the island in the morning and on to the island in the afternoon.

Cyclists will be expected to dismount when on the bridge and use the pedestrian footway.

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

In a statement, Welsh government said: "Discussions are ongoing with UK Highways A55 DBFO Ltd and North Wales Police and confirmation of timescales and enforcement will be provided as soon as a plan is fully agreed.

"Work is taking place in parallel to undertake the necessary repairs to the bolts. We will continue to provide regular updates when further information is available.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused to the local community and thank everyone for their continued patience 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.