The Welsh Government says development work is resuming immediately on a third crossing over the Menai.

The deputy minister for transport told the Senedd on Tuesday that it was pressing ahead with plans, three years after it was put on hold.

Mark Hooper said resilience was the "key challenge" for communities, businesses and travellers on Anglesey amid ongoing disruption involving the Menai Suspension Bridge, where maintenance work is not expected to be completed until next Spring at the earliest.

He announced development work on a third crossing, which is expected to take up to two years, was resuming immediately including design work, an environmental assessment and developing a business case.

The Welsh Government said there would be continued investment in the two existing crossings - including wind defectors and variable speed limits on the A55 Britannia Bridge - in an effort to reduce disruption.

Alternative plans for a three-lane tidal flow operation on the Britannia Bridge were considered but rejected, citing evidence which raised safety and operational concerns.

It would have involved the middle lane being used by traffic heading onto the mainland in the morning and traffic returning to Anglesey in the afternoon.

But Mr Hooper told the Senedd that a third crossing was still "the most effective option for improving resilience and providing additional capacity" across the Menai Strait.

He said: "People want action, not endless discussion. They want reliable journeys, less disruption and confidence that Government is getting on with improving things and making a difference to people’s lives. And that’s exactly what we’re doing."

"People on Ynys Môn and across the north of Wales have waited a long time for greater certainty about the future of the crossings."

"Today we are setting out a clear way forward, with action to improve the resilience of the existing crossings while immediately beginning work to develop a third crossing."

"Together these measures should make a noticeable difference to people as they go about their daily lives delivering better travel choices, improved resilience and quicker and more reliable journeys."

In 2018, the then-Labour government set out four potential options for improving road links across the Menai Strait during a public consultation.

A new crossing to the east of the Britannia Bridge - along with improvements to junctions 8 and 8A of the A55 - was announced as the preferred option.

But the project was later put on hold before being shelved in 2023 following a nationwide roads review by ministers, citing concerns over carbon emissions.

The announcement has been welcomed by Anglesey Council, who stepped up their calls for a third crossing, arguing the two existing bridges were "no longer fit for modern demands".

Council leader Gary Pritchard said: "I’m pleased that the Welsh Government have listened and have recognised how important this is for the island and the wider region."

"A third crossing means much more than getting to grips with traffic delays. It ensures the resilience and infrastructure needed for Anglesey and the future and ensures that our communities and businesses can benefit from the significant economic opportunities ahead."

The council's chief executive, Dylan J Williams, added: "This is an important step for Anglesey and north Wales, recognising the importance of a resilient connection for people, businesses and public services."

"There is a lot of work yet to do but the decision to fund the design steps and permission gives hope we will see true momentum behind the project. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government to achieve this vision for future generations."

Plaid Cymru MP for Ynys Môn, Llinos Medi said: "As investment at Gwyndod and through the freeport gathers pace, it's vital that the infrastructure needed to support that growth keeps pace too."

"I'll be seeking clarity from the UK Government on the role it intends to play in strengthening our transport network and how it will contribute to funding a third Menai crossing."

The Welsh Conservatives said it welcomed the Welsh Govenment's commitment to a third crossing, but warned it needed to "maintain momentum and bring forward a fully funded and deliverable scheme as soon as possible."

Bangor Conwy Môn MS Janet Finch Saunders, who is also the Tories' shadow economy minister, said: "Disruption and congestion on the Menai Crossings are a daily reminder of the need for greater resilience in transport connectivity in North Wales."

"A third crossing to Ynys Môn and improving access to the port of Holyhead, would provide additional capacity and give residents, businesses and visitors greater confidence in our transport network."

But Reform UK's Welsh leader said the transport minister had "presented nothing today but plans for plans".

Helen Jenner, who is also an MS for the Bangor Conwy Môn constituency, has previously spoken out in favour of a third crossing.

The Menai Suspension Bridge, which marked its 200th anniversary this year, has been closed several times during maintenance work - with restrictions breached by overweight vehicles three times during the recent Urdd National Eisteddfod, causing severe traffic disruption.