New Civil Engineer Civil engineering and construction news and jobs from New Civil Engineer
A director at the Institution of Civil Engineers in Wales has called for renewed efforts to secure a third crossing across the Menai Straight following the closure of the Menai Bridge for urgent works last month.
ICE Wales Cymru director Keith Jones said that the degradation of the bridge could have led to a progressive collapse and "potential disaster" if left unchecked.
Known as one of the most famous bridges in the UK, the Menai Bridge opened in 1826. However the landmark was closed on October 24 for emergency maintenance works after “serious safety risks” were identified during a routine structural check.
The announcement was made by the Wels Government following recent testing of the bridge’s existing hangers with the bridge expected to remain closed for the rest of the year.
According to Nation Cymru Jones said: "The Welsh Government was right to commission the analysis of the bridge which has uncovered this issue. They have also taken the right decision in implementing a safety-first approach by closing the bridge despite the public backlash over the disruption.
“However, this must be the wake-up call for Welsh Government. We have been talking about a third crossing for a long time and now decisions need to be made. We do not want to be here in 10 years having the same conversation when something else – or more serious – happens.”
Estimated costs for building a third crossing over the Menai Strait in Wales have more than trebled to around £400M.
A preferred option for the new crossing east of the A55 Britannia Bridge was identified four years ago but the cost of the project has now risen considerably from the original £130M.
According to Welsh deputy minister for climate change Lee Waters, if a new road bridge is finally given the go-ahead, it would take around seven years to build. Under previous plans, a two-year build was anticipated.
Jones said the issues on the Menai Bridge are indicative of why Wales must continue to invest in infrastructure, as the country lacks transport resilience.
"There is a proven link between the condition of the infrastructure of a country (Wales) and its economy." he said. "For every pound invested in infrastructure it generates £2.85 of benefits to the economy."
Like what you've read? To receive New Civil Engineer's daily and weekly newsletters click here.
Britannia bridge is the new bridge, 40 years since opening, traffic has increased to the point that people are pressing for another. A new bridge will not solve congestion, only move it elsewhere. The island used to have at least two foot ferries and two railway lines instead of the current single line. Infrastructure that encourages people out of their cars would cost considerably less and be more sustainable.
The Britannia Bridge has only one lane in each direction and is subject to closure when wind speeds are high. This is on a strategic dual two lane route linking a major port (Holyhead) and Ireland with North Wales, the North of England and Europe beyond. We need a resilient crossing for road traffic and that includes lorries, buses and yes even cars.