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Nov 12, 2024
Hanger work finished on historic Welsh island link - Bridge Design & Engineering (Bd & e)
168 wire rope hangers replaced on Menai Bridge. The Menai Bridge is open to all vehicles following the completion of a project to replace 168 of the historic structure’s 208 wire rope hangers. Opened
168 wire rope hangers replaced on Menai Bridge.
The Menai Bridge is open to all vehicles following the completion of a project to replace 168 of the historic structure’s 208 wire rope hangers.
Opened in 1826, the Menai Bridge is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicles. It takes road traffic over the Menai Straits between the Welsh mainland and the island of Anglesey. The work, which started in August 2023, was carried out by Spencer Bridge Engineering and UK Highways A55 on behalf of the Welsh Government.
Spencer deployed a custom-built de-tensioning rig and pin-pusher to safely remove the steel hangers, which had been installed in a 1938 refurb. The present-day project required hangers made to stringent specifications in a range of lengths, from less than 1m to more than 14m. These were supplied by specialist Swiss steel manufacturer Fatzer AG.
Spencer has also previously replaced the bridge’s footpath panels, and installed emergency failsafes. During the course of this project, Spencer was also working on the world’s oldest suspension bridge carrying traffic (link opens in new tab). Work on Union Chain Bridge, which crosses the River Tweed between England and Scotland, was completed this summer.
Spencer Bridge Engineering’s expert team replaced and painted 168 of the 208 wire rope hangers on the historic Menai Bridge. Credit: Spencer Bridge Engineering
The bridge was subject to an emergency closure in October 2022 (link opens in new tab). A 7.5tonne weight restriction was placed on vehicles using the Menai Bridge during the work. This has been lifted, but will be reinstated in February 2025 for the next phase of the Welsh Government’s project, which is painting the underdeck. The restoration work is expected to finish at the end of 2025, in time for the Menai Bridge’s 200th anniversary.