The Menai Suspension Bridge is set to fully reopen on 2 November after completing the first phase of its refurbishment.
- All 168 hangers on the bridge were replaced following concerns of potential structural failure.
- The bridge closed in October 2022 but temporarily reopened with restrictions in January 2023.
- Further works will pause for four months allowing full traffic access during winter.
- The refurbishment project is expected to conclude by the end of 2025, coinciding with the bridge’s 200th anniversary.
The Menai Suspension Bridge, an essential connection across the Menai Strait between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, will fully reopen on 2 November. This reopening marks the completion of the crucial first phase in its refurbishment programme, which included replacing all 168 hangers. These replacements were necessary due to the potential ‘unzipping failure’ that could have led to grave consequences, including the catastrophic loss of life.
Traffic Wales has overseen the operations of this historic bridge, originally designed by Thomas Telford in the 19th century. The bridge was temporarily closed in October 2022 to address these urgent safety concerns. By January 2023, it partially resumed operations courtesy of temporary hangers installed by Spencer Group, albeit with a strict weight limit of 7.5 tonnes while a more comprehensive repair strategy was devised.
Under the guidance of the Welsh Government’s regional roads operator, UK Highways A55, permanent restoration work began in September 2023. This phase necessitated lane closures and careful traffic management to facilitate thorough and effective repairs. With the completion of Phase 1, the decision has been taken to delay the commencement of further refurbishment work. This pause, lasting four months, is strategically timed to coincide with winter, thereby allowing the lifting of the 7.5-tonne weight limit just in time for the more challenging weather.
This timing is of particular significance, providing a reliable alternative route when the nearby Britannia Bridge faces closures due to high winds and other emergency conditions. The logistical advantage of halting Phase 2 is evident; it ensures uninterrupted access for local traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, thus supporting businesses and ensuring smooth operations at Holyhead Port during the festive period.
The suspension of further work not only aids local businesses but also upholds essential transport links throughout the winter. This decision has been welcomed as a prudent move to delay repainting and other tasks until conditions are more favourable. Even as Phase 2 is set to resume in better weather conditions, the weight limit will be reinstated.
The overarching refurbishment project is anticipated to reach its completion by the close of 2025, perfectly timed for the celebration of the bridge’s 200th anniversary in January 2026. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, expressed gratitude towards those affected by the works and reassured that the pause in renovations would not affect the planned celebrations for this historic milestone.
The Menai Suspension Bridge’s reopening stands as a testament to careful planning and commitment to safety and heritage preservation.
