Public consultation opens on replacement plans for A494 River Dee Bridge

A public consultation has opened today on a shortlist of options to replace the ageing A494 River Dee Bridge in Queensferry.

The bridge serves as a critical link for cross-border traffic between North Wales and the North West of England, carrying approximately 68,400 vehicles each day.

The consultation will run until 4 March 2025, with public feedback helping determine the preferred option.

The bridge, a vital gateway to the Deeside Industrial Park, has seen increasing structural deterioration, with inspections warning of a growing need for repairs that could eventually lead to closures.

The Welsh Government has said that replacing the bridge is essential to ensure the continued resilience of this key transport corridor.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said:
“Fixing our roads is a priority for this government, and the replacement of the Dee Bridge crossing is a key scheme which we are taking forward.

“It is a vital gateway to North Wales and is key for cross-border traffic. The current structure is ageing, and sporadic closures for repairs and monitoring cause disruption. This will become detrimental in the long term as more work will need to be done.

“A replacement is therefore required. Everyone now has the opportunity to have their say on the possible options. We will listen carefully to people’s views, and we expect to outline the way forward in May next year.”

The Five Proposed Options

The consultation outlines five replacement options for the A494 River Dee Bridge.

All options include a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.

Construction is planned to take place ‘offline’ to minimise disruption, allowing the existing bridge to remain operational during much of the work.

1. Option B – New Twin Structure Bridge with Active Travel Link in Rail Underbridge
   • Two new bridges would replace the existing River Dee Bridge.
   • The existing railway verge area would be reconfigured to add an active travel path.
   • Includes up to 3km of new and improved walking and cycling routes.
2. Option C – New Twin Structure Bridge with Separate Rail Underbridge for Active Travel
   • Two new bridges would replace the existing structure.
   • A new underbridge would be built through the railway embankment to provide a dedicated active travel path.
   • Includes up to 3km of new and improved active travel routes.
3. Option D – Off-Line Single Bridge with New Westbound Rail Underbridge
   • A new bridge would be built upstream from the current structure.
   • The existing bridge would either be re-purposed for non-motorised use or demolished.
   • A new underbridge would be built through the railway embankment for westbound traffic and active travel.
   • Includes up to 3km of new and improved active travel routes.
4. Option E – Off-Line Single Bridge with Active Travel Link in Rail Underbridge
   • A new bridge southeast of the existing one, carrying two lanes of eastbound and westbound traffic.
   • The railway verge area would be reconfigured to include a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
   • Includes up to 3km of new and improved walking and cycling routes.
   • Identified as the best-performing option due to its alignment with current policies and value for money.
5. Option F – Off-Line Single Bridge with Separate Rail Underbridge for Active Travel
   • A new bridge upstream from the current structure.
   • A dedicated active travel underbridge would be built through the railway embankment.
   • Includes up to 3km of new and improved active travel routes.

Key Features of the Best-Performing Option (Option E)

The Welsh Government has stated that Option E, the best-performing choice for the A494 River Dee Bridge Replacement Scheme, addressing the deteriorating condition of the current bridge while introducing modern infrastructure and environmental improvements.

• Construction of a new bridge: A new bridge will be built approximately 15 metres southeast of the existing A494 River Dee Bridge. It will accommodate two lanes of traffic in each direction and include a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a sustainable connection between communities.
• Active travel infrastructure: The new shared-use path will create traffic-free walking and cycling routes, linking the Wales Coast Path, National Cycle Network Route 568, Queensferry, and Garden City. Up to 3 km of new and improved active travel paths will make sustainable transport safer and more accessible.
• Enhancements to the railway bridge: The plan incorporates a new underbridge through the North Wales Coast Railway embankment to improve active travel connections. Construction work will avoid disruption to the railway line itself.
• Improvements to the A494: Upgrades to the existing road east of the bridge will include new hard shoulders, alignment improvements, and sustainable drainage systems, reducing flood risks and improving safety.
• A new junction: A junction near the Riverside area will improve connectivity, providing access to and from the A494 for nearby residents, businesses, and a new river pumping station.
• Redevelopment of derelict sites: The old council depot buildings and derelict houses northeast of Queensferry Interchange will be demolished. This land will be repurposed into green spaces featuring tree planting, grasslands, and an active travel path, enhancing the area’s appeal and sustainability.
• Environmental and biodiversity enhancements: Measures such as wildflower verges, native woodland plantations, and grasslands will improve the local environment. Habitats impacted by construction will be restored, with efforts made to enhance biodiversity beyond compensation levels.
• Demolition of the existing bridge: The existing A494 River Dee Bridge will be demolished, subject to confirmation, with alternative uses under consideration.

Option E is expected to minimise construction disruption with the new bridge being built upstream of the existing structure.

This would enable traffic on the A494 and the North Wales Coast Railway line to continue with little interruption during most of the works.

Construction is estimated to take two to three years, with the most significant impact anticipated at the final stage, when the new road is connected to the existing A494, The Welsh Government has said.

[Artists’ impression of the best performing option (Option E) to replace the A494 River Dee Bridge looking north towards Garden City]

The consultation begins today (9 December) until 4 March, and a public exhibition will be held between 10am and 7pm on Tuesday 21 January at St Andrew’s Church, Garden City.

The options can be viewed and feedback submitted using the online questionnaire by visiting the consultation page at this link: www.gov.wales/a494-river-dee-bridge-replacement-scheme

The project team can also be contacted via [email protected] or  by completing an envelope addressed to ‘Freepost A494’.