The Welsh Government says it will consider detailed options for a third Menai crossing, according to the transport minister.

Mark Hooper told the Senedd on Tuesday that "both immediate measures and longer term options" were being considered to strengthen resilience across the Menai Strait.

The Menai Suspension Bridge has been closed several times in recent weeks after a 7.5 tonne limit was breached by overweight vehicles, leading to extra measures during the Urdd National Eisteddfod.

Ongoing maintenance work on the bridge is not expected to be completed until spring next year, but the Welsh Government says it will press forward to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Mr Hooper, the deputy transport minister, said: "This is a 200-year-old structure never designed for modern traffic demands, and it will continue to present challenges."

"While the hanger replacements and strengthening works have enabled reopening with restrictions, the bridge remains subject to a 7.5 tonne limit and traffic management measures."

"The current phase of work is focused on stabilising and preserving the structure, including repairs to crossbeams and bolts beneath the deck alongside wider refurbishments, such as repainting, concrete repairs and lighting upgrades."

He added: "It is unfortunate that these weight limit breaches continue to occur despite the extensive measures that have been considered and implemented."

"I recognise the disruption that these closures have caused to communities across Ynys Môn and all those travelling in the north of the country. This has understandably led to deep frustration and increasing anger amongst those affected."

Mr Hooper told MSs that proposals were being considered for wind defectors on the Britannia Bridge to reduce weather-related disruption, alongside broader work on improving how both crossings operate together during heavy traffic and other "periods of pressure".

He said: "We're also progressing options to improve traffic management on the A55, including signalling upgrades and variable speed limits on Britannia bridge so that disruption can be managed more effectively when restrictions are required on either crossing."

"Looking at the longer term, we will now start looking at detailed options for a third Menai crossing, building on the work already undertaken."

Mr Hooper said he intends to report back to the Senedd early in the Autumn.

In 2018, the then-Labour government set out four potential options for improving road links across the Menai Strait during a public consultation.

A new crossing to the east of the Britannia Bridge - along with improvements to junctions 8 and 8A of the A55 - was announced as the preferred option.

But the project was later put on hold before being shelved in 2023 following a nationwide roads review by ministers, citing concerns over carbon emissions.