Spencer Bridge Engineering completes latest round of works on historic bridge

REFURBISHMENT: Spencer Bridge Engineering’s team working on Menai Bridge

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Spencer Bridge Engineering has completed the latest instalment of refurbishment works on the famous Menai Suspension Bridge, ahead of the crossing’s bicentenary.   

The team replaced and painted 168 of the 208 wire rope hangers on the iconic bridge, which is a crucial road link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, to restore the structural integrity of the bridge and remove a critical risk to public safety which forced it to close in October 2022.

First opened in 1826, the Grade I listed structure is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicle traffic and teams from Spencer have been carrying out a series of works over the past four years.

After completing earlier projects, including the replacement of footpath panels and the installation of emergency failsafes on the 417m-long bridge, Spencer Bridge Engineering’s team began the hanger replacement project in Autumn 2023, and recently completed the final hanger installation.

To respect the heritage and historic features of the bridge, the team worked closely with suppliers throughout a rigorous period of development and testing to design the specially fabricated hangers and sockets.  

Project manager Tom Inglis said: “The project posed a number of significant challenges, including working in a harsh environment with strong winds and wet weather, but we have a large and diverse skillset which enables us to draw on past experiences to develop solutions.

“We have decades of experience working on a range of complex bridge and infrastructure projects, and with a very collaborative attitude, allowing us to utilise expertise from right across the team to deliver the most efficient and effective results.

“One of the factors which made this project so successful was the close relationships we have developed over a number of years with the client, UK Highways A55 Limited, and our suppliers. Those relationships were especially important to deliver this challenging project on time.”

A spokesperson for UK Highways A55 Ltd added: “The Menai Suspension Bridge is an icon of civil engineering and a beloved part of local and national heritage.

“The completion of the hanger replacement programme to schedule is a significant achievement and we are proud to have completed these works thanks to the outstanding leadership of Spencer Bridge Engineering.”