Siambr · John Clark
Written questions
52 written questions on record from the Seventh Senedd on, newest first. Page 2 of 2.
WQ100308 · Tabled · Answered
Will the Cabinet Minister confirm whether the GG 119 Road Safety Audit for the A5 Menai suspension bridge approaches was accompanied by an engineering assessment of the potential structural and vibration impacts of the speed cushions on the bridge and masonry approach spans, and if so, will it be published?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
A GG 119 - Road Safety Audit (RSA) was carried out which recommended that speed cushions be installed within the legally established 20 mph zone. It also concluded that that the prohibition on road cushions within 25 meters of a bridge does not apply under Regulation 7. The placement of the speed cushions is on the masonry approaches and not the Main Span of the Bridge, which removed the need to complete an engineering assessment. The RSA has not been published as there is no requirement for Welsh Government or UK Highways A55 Ltd. to publish them.
These measures have successfully reduced the average speeds on the bridge in line with the 20mph speed limit. This contributes to safer operations on the bridge and fewer closures.
WQ100307 · Tabled · Answered
Did the Welsh Government consult the Chief Officer of North Wales Police, Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and road-user organisations, under regulation 3 of the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999, before installing the speed cushions on the A5 Menai bridge approaches?
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
Temporary speed cushions have been installed on the A5 approaches and the masonry approach section of the Menai Suspension Bridge following a near-miss incident in which a vehicle lost control and struck the bridge close to an active work area. The measures were introduced as a safety precaution to protect operatives undertaking the Phase 2 works.
Prior to their installation, key partners, including North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue, North Waels Ambulance Service, NHS Ysbyty Gwynedd Communications, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, Holyhead Port, Road Haulage Association, Freight Transport Association, were informed that the speed cushions would be introduced on a temporary basis as part of the traffic management arrangements for the project. Stakeholders were notified on 28 April, with a subsequent letter issued on 8 May confirming the installation.
Given the temporary nature of the measures and their role in supporting the ongoing works, no formal consultation was undertaken with the parties referenced. The speed cushions will remain in place only for the duration of the Phase 2 works and are scheduled to be removed upon completion of the project next year.
Official verbatim record: each question and answer as the Record prints it. Answers are signed with a job title, as published.