Ongoing repairs on the Menai Suspension Bridge will not be completed until Spring 2027 at the earliest.

The Welsh Government says phase two of the maintenance work is due to get underway next month, thereby missing a pledge to complete the work in time for the bridge's 200th anniversary.

Transport Secretary Ken Skates said he disappointed to miss the target - but maintained the aim was to maintain the historic structure "for generations to come".

Last October, the bridge was temporarily closed to all traffic after engineers found bolts on the crossbeams which needed replacing.

Phase two, which has been rearranged to cut the need for traffic control, will allow vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes to to use the bridge, which will also be repainted.

Mr Skates, who is also the North Wales Secretary, said: "This represents a revision of earlier timelines, which have been impacted by essential safety work."

He added: "The parties have collaboratively redesigned the methodology in the revised programme to significantly reduce the need for traffic management on the bridge compared to the earlier plans, thereby reducing disruption to residents, commuters and businesses."

"Enforcement of the 7.5‑tonne weight limit remains essential for maintaining safe operation of the bridge while works are underway, therefore we respectfully ask that users of the bridge comply with the weight limit to avoid any further closures."

North Wales Police will remain on call to help with any emergency situation affecting the Britannia Bridge - with access for emergency vehicles in place.

Mr Skates added that Welsh Government officials have sought assurance from the contractors, UK Highways A55 Ltd on steps being taken to avoid further delays.

He said: "I have already, and will be meeting further with Equitix senior representatives, the overseeing organisation of UK Highways A55 Ltd., to seek assurance the works will be delivered as safely and as quickly as possible."

"I will again relay, in no uncertain terms, the deep frustration and disappointment felt regarding the delays to the programme."

"The significance of the Menai Suspension Bridge, both as critical infrastructure and as an iconic landmark, cannot be overstated, especially as we mark its bicentenary."

"While we are all disappointed that the work could not be completed ahead of this significant milestone, safety and structural integrity must always remain paramount. Our aim has always been and remains to maintain this iconic structure for generations to come."

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said it was "unacceptable" that the work would not be completed until "two years later than originally promised" and that the news would be met with "anger and frustration locally".

The Ynys Môn MS added: "I do, however, welcome the fact that our calls to do everything possible to minimise traffic management measures have been heard, and that disruption from now on will be more limited in nature, with a promise that traffic management limited to a few days at a time, rather than weeks or months."

"I’ll be raising this issue as a matter of urgency, seeking firm assurances that there will be no further delays, alongside support for the local economy in the meantime."