RHUN ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn, has called on the deputy minister for climate change for an update on Welsh Government's plans to improve transport links across the Menai Strait.

In a question in the Senedd yesterday (June 7), Mr ap Iorwerth stressed the need to build resilience in the long term by pressing ahead with plans for a third crossing, but reiterated his calls for the introduction of a “zipper system” across Britannia Bridge as a medium-term measure.

Mr ap Iorwerth also reiterated calls for a solution based on improving safety, and offered his condolences to the family of the man involved in a fatal accident on the A55 – which led to the Britannia Bridge being closed for nine hours – on May 23.

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The minister confirmed that the North Wales Transport Commission’s interim report will be published this week, with final recommendations to follow in the autumn.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: “I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of a man who died in an accident on May 23.

“Safety, of course, is one of the main arguments, along with resilience, in the case for a third Menai crossing.

“In this case, the Britannia Bridge was closed for nine hours, and people couldn't get to Ysbyty Gwynedd, school pupils couldn't get to their GCSE and A-level examinations.

“Welsh Government must resolve this situation in terms of resilience.

“I've written to the minister, recommending, as an initial step - although we do need that third crossing - having a zipper system in place on the Britannia Bridge to control traffic flow.

“I look forward to the transport commission’s report.”

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In his response, Lee Waters MS, deputy minister for climate change, confirmed that the Burns Commission has been asked to consider a zipper system.

He went on to add that Welsh Government has also commissioned a study into resilience and traffic flow issues on the Britannia Bridge, and the potential impact this will have on the carriage layout.

Mr Waters added: “The zipper situation looks interesting and, potentially, very useful in the context of Ynys Môn.”

Mr ap Iorwerth also asked for an assurance that everything will be done to reduce difficulties as work commences on the Menai Suspension Bridge this week, calling for restrictions to be in place for as brief a period as possible.