MAJOR delays caused by a fatal crash on the A55 have sparked fresh calls for a third Menai crossing.
A man sadly died following a crash on the eastbound carriageway near the Britannia Bridge on Tuesday morning.
The crash led to the closure of the A55, with massive delays building up as a result of the crash.
Lorries had to be stacked due to weight restrictions on the Menai Bridge.
Following the tragedy, school pupils had to walk to their A-level exams due to Britannia Bridge being closed.
It has been described as “unacceptable” by both the island’s council leader and MS, and has sparked calls once again for a third crossing.
Whilst giving a report during a full meeting of the Anglesey County Council on Tuesday morning, Cllr leader Llinos Medi told the meeting it was more evidence that the island “needed a third crossing”.
She told the meeting in Llangefni: “The accident today on the bridge shows just how much we need a third crossing.
“We have heard reports of young people today, having to walk to school so they can do their A levels due to the trouble they had getting there.
“This is totally unacceptable.”
Another Anglesey councillor, Robert Llewelyn Jones, also apologised to the full meeting for being half an hour late due to the traffic issues caused by the bridge tail backs.
He said the third crossing was needed, saying: “This morning, I was caught up in traffic on the bridge, as you know, we have tried to get a third crossing.
“But today just goes to show just how the traffic backs up if you have problems on one bridge.”
Also responding to the incident yesterday, Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn, said: “My first thoughts are of course with those involved in the accident.
“This incident unfortunately demonstrates yet again why having good transport links are vital – for safety, and for connectivity.
“I’m hearing of large lorries crossing the Menai suspension bridge despite the 7.5t weight limit again today despite the ‘stacking’ protocol, trains being delayed – including my own which was cancelled early this morning.”
He added: “More worryingly – I’m also being told of concerned school children, stuck in traffic as they try to reach school on time for their exams.
“It’s a situation that we must try and avoid for future, and that’s why I’m clear that we need an additional crossing.
“We have to ensure that our crossing is resilient, and today goes to show once again that that is not currently the case. I’ll be looking to raise these concerns directly with Welsh Government as soon as possible.”
