Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has secured a series of major refurbishment contracts on the Menai Suspension Bridge ahead of its bicentenary in 2026.
The Grade I-listed Menai bridge opened in 1826 and is the second oldest operational vehicular suspension bridge in the world. It crosses the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey and mainland north Wales.
Work will include a £1.5m repainting of the main span underdeck of the 417m-long bridge for client UK Highways A55. Spencer has created bespoke moving gantry platforms to access the currently unreachable main span underdeck to shotblast, inspect and repaint.
The Menai Strait is protected as a special site of scientific interest and a wetland area of international importance. As such, work is dependent on environmental approvals.
Moving gantry platforms
Luke Fisher, sector lead for bridges and structures at Spencer Group, said: “UK Highways A55 identified that the bridge is suffering from corrosion and needs repainting. For the underdeck painting scheme, we designed the moving gantry platforms, which are unique to this project. Our industry-leading capabilities in this sector formed a significant part of the bid.”
He added: “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.”
Spencer Group is also strengthening the handrails of the pedestrian walkways on the approach spans. It is working with heritage organisations to ensure the designs meet the Grade I-listed requirements. Completion is expected later this year.
Road deck hanger replacement
Spencer is also in the early design stages of replacing the majority of the vertical road deck hangers that suspend the deck from the main chains of the bridge. This work is expected to be carried out next summer.
A fourth project is installing a more efficient and environmentally friendly LED system to improve the bridge’s street and decorative lighting.
Surveys for this lighting work were carried out earlier this year. The bridge’s Anglesey arch was illuminated and stakeholders and members of the public asked to share their views.
Spencer Group and UK Highways A55 Ltd are working on the final specifications, with installation expected to start in 2023.
