Public invited to discuss plans for A494 River Dee Bridge replacement

Residents are being encouraged to attend a public consultation event on proposals for a new A494 River Dee Bridge.
The A494 River Dee Bridge is a crucial link for cross-border traffic between North Wales and the North West of England, carrying nearly 70,000 vehicles daily.
However, inspections have revealed that the ageing bridge is increasingly prone to structural deterioration, with a growing risk of closure for major repairs.
The consultation, which started in December and runs until 4 March, presents five options for replacing the ageing bridge. Each option aims to improve the bridge’s reliability, meet modern transport needs, and make the most of available funding.
A major focus of the plans is to limit disruption during construction by ensuring the existing bridge stays in use for most of the project.
“The options have been reviewed to better align with current policies, improve value for money, and ensure resilience along this key transport corridor. Minimising disruption during construction is also a priority,” the Welsh Government said.
Five options for a vital link
The options being considered all include a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists to encourage walking and cycling in the area.
The Welsh Government has highlighted “Option E” as the most suitable choice. This would involve building a new bridge 15 metres southeast of the current A494 River Dee Bridge, featuring two lanes in each direction and a shared walking and cycling path.
The project will create up to 3 km of new traffic-free routes, linking local paths and communities, alongside upgrades to the A494, including hard shoulders, improved drainage, and better safety measures.
A new underbridge through the North Wales Coast Railway embankment will enhance walking and cycling links without disrupting train services.
Plans also include a new junction near Riverside and the redevelopment of derelict sites into green spaces with tree planting and active travel paths. Environmental improvements, such as wildflower verges and restored habitats, aim to boost biodiversity.
The existing bridge would be demolished, subject to confirmation, but alternative uses are also being explored.
[Artists’ impression of the best performing option (Option E) to replace the A494 River Dee Bridge looking north towards Garden City]
Public input and next steps
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates emphasised the importance of local input: “Fixing our roads is a priority for this government, and I would urge local people and people who use the bridge on a regular basis to take part in the consultation.
“The bridge is vital for the road infrastructure of North Wales. Come and see the options for yourselves on the 21st January and have a chat about what they could all deliver. We will listen carefully to people’s views, and I expect to be able to announce the way forward in May.”
The public exhibition and event is being held 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’.
The five options being looked at:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.