The Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects the Isle of Anglesey to the North Wales mainland, is set to reopen at the end of January 2023. The historic bridge has been closed for repairs since October, New Civil Engineer reports.
The Menai Suspension Bridge was designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826. It is the world’s first iron suspension bridge, and was put in place to make the important trade route between London and the port of Holyhead, and subsequently Ireland, easier.
The Straits that flow between Anglesey and the mainland are notoriously dangerous, with strong riptides, so a bridge was seen as the best solution to improve safety and reduce journey times.
The main deck of the bridge is suspended with a series of sixteen chains, and was regarded as a major feat of engineering. Serious structural issues were identified with the bridge span hangers in October, leading to the prolonged closure for repairs. The bridge was already undergoing a £1.5m refurbishment in readiness for its bicentenary in 2026.
An update on the Welsh Government website advises: “The Welsh Government and UK Highways A55 Ltd are doing everything within their powers, to carry out repairs to the bridge as quickly as possible, so it can reopen when it is safe. The bridge is planned to reopen with a 7.5t weight limit by the end of January 2023 (weather permitting).”
The Grade I listed suspension bridge sits alongside the Britannia Bridge, which was designed by Robert Stephenson and built in 1850 to carry the rail line from Chester to Holyhead. After an extensive fire in 1970, the Britannia Bridge was rebuilt with a two-deck configuration, allowing for the separate passage of vehicular traffic and rail traffic.
If you are looking for bridge bearing replacement please visit our website today.