Menai Bridge 200th anniversary refresh begins

The grade one-listed suspension bridge that links the island of Anglesey and the North Wales mainland is set to be restored to full working order by August 2025.

Hull-based Spencer Group started phase two of work yesterday to refresh the Menai Bridge, ready for its 200^th anniversary.

Phase one of the refurbishment saw the closure of the bridge last October to allow for rigorous testing and development, including a £1.5m effort to repaint the entire main underdeck.

The second phase will deliver new permanent hangers after a detailed analysis detected a structural issue with the existing ones, with the 7.5T weight restriction for crossing the bridge to remain in place until work has completed.

Work will be carried out in a way that will not lead to a full closure of the bridge, while traffic management will be implemented in order to reduce disruption to local residents.

This construction programme has been developed by UK Highways A55, which operates and maintains the Menai Bridge on behalf of the Welsh Government.

The 417-metre suspension 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.