The Wylfa site is one of eight new build nuclear sites proposed by the Nuclear National Policy Statement published in July. An application for development consent for the new nuclear power station will be submitted in 2014 and a final investment decision made in 2015.
Existing congestion issues on the Menai and Britannia bridges would mean heavy restrictions on the number of road-based freight deliveries from the mainland, says the report by Grontmij for Isle of Anglesey County Council. "If the developer cannot show that the number of road based freight and people movements will not contribute to the existing congestion issues on the bridges, the construction of a third crossing of the Menai Strait may be necessary," says the report.
The movement of workers, visitors and any road-based freight from the mainland to the site is heavily dependent on use of the Menai Strait bridges, according to Grontmij. "The bridges provide the only road and rail based links to the Island. Both bridges can be closed to either high sided vehicles or all traffic in severe weather conditions, which can effectively cut off the Island from the mainland. A road traffic accident or other emergency situation or unforeseen event could also result in closure of the bridges. In this instance, movement of workers and freight to the site would be severely impeded." The report says that there is a need for a clear joint position from all stakeholders with regard to the issues affecting the Menai Straits bridges.
The construction period is estimated to take six years starting in 2015. Peak construction is likely to occur during the middle third of the build period, when an estimated 6,000 construction workers would be on site.
The report will be considered on 27 September by the council's environment and technical services scrutiny committee.
