Welsh Government to press ahead with A494 River Dee Bridge replacement after objections withdrawn
The Welsh Government has ruled out a public inquiry into the replacement of the A494 River Dee Bridge at Queensferry, clearing the way for construction to begin as early as winter 2026/27.
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, confirmed the decision after the statutory consultation on the draft Orders produced five formal objections, of which three were subsequently withdrawn.
The two remaining objections both relate to the Compulsory Purchase Order and concern compensation only, not the scheme itself.
Mr Skates said the draft Orders could now be made incorporating minor modifications.
The bridge carries approximately 70,000 vehicles a day between Queensferry and Garden City, linking north Wales with north-west England and beyond.
Inspections have found the existing bridge deck to be in poor structural condition, with the frequency of repairs and the risk of major intervention growing year on year.
The replacement bridge will be built around 15 metres to the southeast of the existing crossing, towards Chester, and will carry four lanes of traffic with hard shoulders in each direction.
A shared path for pedestrians and cyclists will run alongside the westbound carriageway, connecting to the Wales Coast Path and National Cycle Route 568.
Most of the construction work is planned to take place away from the existing bridge, allowing the A494 to remain open for the majority of the project.
Mr Skates said: “The A494 River Dee Bridge provides a vital connection for cross border traffic between north Wales, the north-west of England and beyond, connecting people, communities and businesses.”
He added: “The need for a new bridge is driven by the poor structural condition of the existing bridge deck and therefore it needs replacing.”
Officials will now publish the decision letter and made orders, with a six-week period during which the documents can be challenged in the High Court.
The Welsh Government is continuing to procure a contractor to carry out detailed design and construction work, with an appointment planned this summer.
Site enabling works could begin in winter 2026/27, subject to completion of the statutory process, with the new bridge open by winter 2029.
The existing bridge would then be demolished, with removal completed in spring 2030.
Further information about the scheme is available at gov.wales/a494-river-dee-bridge.
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