Welsh Government must push for investment to strengthen Menai Crossing

Responding to comments made by Ken Skates AM today regarding the Third Menai Crossing, Mr ap Iorwerth said:

“After the Wylfa Newydd plan was postponed, I specifically asked Welsh Government to give certainty that the case for third crossing over the Menai was still as strong as ever, and I was given that certainty.

“Yes, Wylfa would have resulted in extra traffic on the existing crossings, and of course that is a factor in the plans for the third crossing, but the truth is that there are serious questions regarding the resilience of the current crossings.

“On too many occasions, the connection between Ynys Mon and the mainland has been cut off, or has been at risk of being cut off, and the emergency services have always argued that these crossing must be stronger, and that is the main reason for a third crossing.

“Although the Wylfa Newydd project has been delayed, I still believe in pushing for extra investment from National Grid towards the cost of a third crossing, as hundreds of millions is currently invested in undergrounding cables through national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty,

“The truth is that the wires across the Menai negatively affect one of the most beautiful areas in Wales, and investment should be provided to ensure that those cables do not affect the area in such a way. The way to do that is to put them on the bridge, and that should happen whatever happens with Wylfa. Welsh Government must push for that investment.

“I also support the campaign for Bont Bendigeidfran, which would be an amazing design and bring visitors from across the world to visit the crossing, but that is another matter.”