EFFORTS to reduce traffic while the Menai Suspension Bridge is closed are being made. 

People travelling over the Britannia Bridge are being encouraged to car share and use park and ride facilities at Gaerwen (LL60 6AR) and Llanfairpwll (LL61 5YR).

A statement from Isle of Anglesey County Council said: "We encourage all travellers, especially during peak hours, to consider whether their journeys over the Britannia Bridge is essential.

"Your understanding, patience and co-operation is appreciated during this time. We await further updates from Welsh Government on the Menai Suspension Bridge which will be communicated with you as soon as possible."

Menai Suspension Bridge closed to drivers at 2pm on Friday, October 21. It is expected to be closed until early next year. 

The decision to shut the bridge was made following recent testing of the bridges existing hangers. 

A spokesperson from the Welsh Government said: "As a result of further investigation, serious risks have been identified and structural engineers have recommended to close Menai Bridge to all traffic. The findings that led to the recommendation to close the bridge are currently being reviewed which could take up to two weeks. Available options to reopen the bridge as soon as possible are being actively assessed.

"Temporary hanger strengthening works may need to be installed to ensure the safety and integrity of the Menai Bridge.

"This programme could take between 14 to 16 weeks, with the bridge reopening in early 2023.

Traffic is being diverted to the Britannia Bridge.

The Welsh Government is developing further strategies to increase resilience on the Britannia Bridge to mitigate the risk of both bridges being closed in exceptional circumstances. In the last five years, the bridge has been closed to high-sided vehicles on average seven times a year.

A spokesperson for UK Highways A55 said: "We have received a recommendation from structural engineers to close the bridge for safety reasons. We have passed on this recommendation to the Welsh Government and are working closely with them to ensure the safety and integrity of the Menai Bridge is maintained.

"While this issue will cause disruption, we must act in the interest of public safety. We are currently peer reviewing the findings that led to the recommendation of closure and assessing all available options to reopen the bridge as soon as possible so people can get back to using the bridge regularly.” 

Lee Waters, deputy minister for Climate Change with responsibility for transport, said: "This urgent work is being carried out for public safety, unfortunately it is unavoidable, but we are fully aware of the implication this will have for people in the local area.

"We are working closely with UK Highways to ensure this work is carried out safely and as quickly as possible with minimal disruption to the local community."

The footway across the bridge has been re-opened for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.

People must remain on the pedestrian footways and numbers will be limited.

Marshalls will be in place between Friday, October 21 and Monday, October 24 to manage pedestrian flows and monitoring will be in place to ensure compliance.