WORK is to be carried out in a bid to improve the rusting image of the Victorian suspension bridge which spans the Menai Straits to Anglesey. Meanwhile, transport officials at the Welsh Assembly are looking at the idea of introducing a three lane traffic flow system on the nearby Britannia bridge as a possible way of tackling rush hour congestion. Talks about both bridges, the only links between Anglesey and the mainland, have been held between Ynys Mon AM Ieuan Wyn Jones and Assembly Transport minister Andrew Davies. The state of Telford's masterpiece, built in 1826, and to be featured on the reverse of a new set of £1 collectors' coins, issued by the Royal Mint, has sparked outrage amongst councillors at Menai Bridge and members of the public. They have demanded a programme of work on the bridge's metal structure including specialist re-painting. Work has already started on the bridge's hand and guardrails, and repairs are being carried out to the pedestrian walkways. Mr Jones said he had been encouraged by the minister's response. "The bridge needs regular maintenance work and the longer it is left, things will deteriorate to the point where more serious remedial work will be needed." Mr Jones confirmed the Assembly was studying his plan to have three lanes on the Britannia at peak periods. Two would carry traffic from Anglesey in the morning and the flow would be reversed in the evening. | 
