A LONG-TERM solution to landslides, which have plagued the strategic A545 route between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris appears a step closer.

Anglesey council executives agreed on Monday, January 29, to commission designs for strengthening and improving the road which has been closed several times in recent years.

Around £95,000 will now go towards appointing consultant engineers, specialising in slope stabilisation, to prepare the designs as well as provide a contribution towards works to strengthen the slope below Beaumaris Cemetery.

It’s hoped the designs will help draw the significant funding needed from the Welsh Government to secure a long-term solution and prevent more costly collapses below the road in the future.

The latest landslide came during storms in November 2017 and temporary traffic controls remain in place as works to reinforce the road continue.

Highways portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry, told fellow executive members that the County Council was working closely with Welsh Government, Beaumaris Town Council and local landowners.

He said, “Our Highways officers have already held initial discussions with colleagues in the Welsh Government. They have indicated that funding would be available over the next few years to carry out a combination of slope stabilisation and road widening on the bends to strengthen and improve sections of the A545 from Glyn Garth to Beaumaris. We hope that commissioning these designs will be the first step towards securing a sustainable solution for the A545.”

Discussions have also taken place with Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley who owns the land above and below the A545. He is very supportive of improving the road and will agree to release the required land.

Today’s decision was welcomed by Economic Development portfolio holder and Seiriol ward member, Cllr Carwyn Jones.

He said, “This is positive news for Beaumaris and wider Seiriol ward. Despite the County Council’s best efforts, landslides have badly hit this important strategic route in recent years. They have caused untold traffic congestion; hit residents and, in particular, local businesses hard.”

“Commissioning consultant engineers to look at how we can improve things is a positive step towards finding the long-term solution everyone wants.”

The alternative to improving and strengthening the A545 would be to construct a new road at a cost in the region of £30 million, which would be unlikely to gain Welsh Government support while also not solve problems relating to the A545.