A494 River Dee Bridge rebuild project moves to tender stage
The Welsh Government has opened the procurement process for a £174 million contract to replace the River Dee Bridge on the A494 near Queensferry.
The existing bridge, a key transport link carrying thousands of vehicles daily between north Wales and the north-west of England, is in poor structural condition and requires a full replacement to maintain safety and improve resilience.
The scheme will deliver a new bridge built approximately 15 metres southeast of the current crossing, carrying two lanes of traffic in each direction with a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
This design, known as Option E, was selected after public consultation as the best balance of cost, environmental impact, and practicality.
The replacement will also include up to 3 kilometres of improved active travel routes, a new underbridge through the North Wales Coast Railway embankment to support walking and cycling, upgrades to the A494, sustainable drainage systems, and a new junction near the Riverside area.
Environmental improvements such as wildflower verges and native woodland planting are planned as part of the project.
Work is expected to start in May 2026 and run through early 2030. To minimise disruption, the current bridge will remain open during much of the construction.
The Welsh Government is following a two-stage procurement model, first shortlisting bidders before inviting full tenders for design and build.
Social value, meaning the wider benefits for local communities including jobs, apprenticeships, and sustainability, will carry a minimum 10% weighting within the quality assessment.
The evaluation of bids will include a focus on social value, which means the wider benefits for local communities such as jobs, apprenticeships, and sustainability, with at least 10% of the quality score based on how well contractors plan to deliver these benefits.
Climate change initiatives will also be a key consideration, with targets agreed during early contractor involvement and incentivised throughout the contract.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, previously said: “Fixing our roads is a priority for this government. We’re progressing with plans for the A494 Dee Bridge replacement, which is vital for the economy and communities of north-east Wales. The preferred design offers value for money and limits environmental impact, and we look forward to appointing a contractor to deliver this important project.”
Further details, including draft orders and an environmental statement, are expected to be published in autumn 2025 alongside public exhibitions.
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