Menai bridge set for refresh ahead of 200th anniversary
Hull-based Spencer Group has secured multiple contracts to refurbish the grade one-listed suspension bridge that links the island of Anglesey and the North Wales mainland.
The 417-metre Menai Suspension Bridge dates back to 1826 and was designed by engineer Thomas Telford. Thought to be the second oldest operational vehicular suspension bridge in the world, the Menai Suspension Bridge’s bicentenary is in 2026.
To ready the bridge for its big birthday, Spencer Group is embarking on four projects for client UK Highways A55.
The first is a £1.5m effort to repaint the entire main underdeck of the bridge. To accomplish this task, Spencer is using special moving gantry platforms that enable the team to access the underdeck so that they can shotblast, inspect and repaint it.
The second job is to strengthen the handrails of walkways for pedestrians as they approach the bridge. Spencer is working with heritage organisations on the designs for the handrails and anticipates finishing this scheme by the end of the year.
The third mission is to replace most of the vertical road deck hangers that suspend the bridge’s deck. Spencer is still in the early design stages of this project but aims to start work next summer.
The final task is to upgrade and improve the bridge’s street and decorative lighting. This involves switching to an LED system. Spencer is in the middle of agreeing on final specifications for the lights with UK Highways A55, but wants to begin installing the lights next year.
Spencer Group trialled lighting solutions for the bridge earlier this year. Credit: via Spencer Group
“We’re delighted to play a significant part in preparing the Menai Suspension Bridge for its 200th anniversary, supporting UK Highways A55 Ltd and their client, the Welsh Government, to ensure this remarkable structure looks its best for its bicentenary year and beyond,” said Luke Fisher, sector lead for bridges and structures at Spencer Group.
Fisher later added: “We’re proud to have been awarded these contracts and to be given the opportunity to further demonstrate our ability to find innovative solutions to complex challenges of this nature.
“We’re also supporting the Menai Heritage Museum in Anglesey to raise awareness of both bridges over the Menai Strait, as well as the importance of civil engineering among local school pupils and college students. We’re giving talks and leading bridge walks to inspire the next generation.”
As mentioned before, the Menai Suspension Bridge is thought to be the second oldest operational vehicular suspension bridge in the world. For those curious, the Guinness Book of World Records lists the oldest such bridge as the Union Chain Bridge, which spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe and Fishwick. That bridge opened in 1820.
