COMMUTERS travelling between Anglesey and the mainland of Wales are being thanked for their “patience” after facing rush hour delays amid ongoing work on the Menai Suspension Bridge.

Specialist engineers have been carrying out detailed structural investigations on the historic crossing which spans the Menai Strait.

Long lines of traffic built up at busy times during the past week after the necessary work by the Welsh Government and  UK Highways got under-way.

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Traffic lights causing single lanes of traffic resulted in long queues at times particularly backing up into  the Treborth area on the Bangor side of the bridge.

The 417m long bridge, which was designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, is a Grade One listed structure.  It is famed as the world’s first major suspension bridge.

It is anticipated the inspection work will go on until at least Wednesday, May 25.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Recent inspection works on the Menai Bridge identified the need for a more thorough structural investigation on some areas.

“This will involve detailed calculations to be carried out by experienced and specialist engineers and is  being carried out immediately.

 “The temporary traffic lights are regulating traffic in the meantime.

“They are fully manned to minimise any disruption. We would like to thank the public for their patience at this time.”

Anglesey County Council, although not responsible for the work, had informed residents of the potential delays on its social media channels earlier this week.

It tweeted : “Traffic Lights will be in place on the Menai Suspension Bridge until at least Wednesday, May 25, in order for the WelshGovernment/ UK Highways to conclude their structural investigations.

It added: “For more information please contact Traffic Wales N on 0300 123 1213 contact@traffic.wales.“