Low tolerance and close relationships speed bridge fix

05/11/2024 | CHRIS AMES

Low tolerance and close relationships speed bridge fix

Spencer Bridge Engineering has released images and details of refurbishment works on the historic Menai Suspension Bridge.

The crucial road link between mainland Wales and Anglesey re-opened on Saturday, with work suspended for four months, after completion of the first phase of a repair works programme.

Spencer, which has been carrying out works over the past four years to revitalise the crossing ahead of its 200th anniversary year, began a hanger replacement project in Autumn 2023 after engineers identified a 'structural concern'.

The firm said that, in collaboration with UK Highways A55 Ltd, it has replaced and painted 168 of the 208 wire rope hangers on the 417m-long bridge, restoring the full structural integrity of the structure.

It said that to respect the heritage and historic features of the bridge, it worked closely with suppliers throughout a rigorous period of development and testing to design the specially fabricated hangers and sockets.

The hangers, which range in length from less than one metre to over 14 metres, were fabricated to a stringent specification with a narrow length tolerance by specialist Swiss steel manufacturer Fatzer AG.

To safely remove the existing hangers, which were installed when the bridge was reconstructed in 1938, while protecting the surrounding bridge structure, Spencer’s bridges team also designed bespoke equipment including a de-tensioning rig and pin pusher.

The firm described completion of the hanger replacement programme to schedule as a significant engineering achievement, ‘given the complexity of the programme and the speed with which it needed to be designed, procurement and supply chain challenges, and adverse weather conditions’.

Project manager Tom Inglis said: ‘We have decades of experience working on a range of complex bridge and infrastructure projects, and with a very collaborative attitude, allowing us to utilise expertise from right across the team to deliver the most efficient and effective results.

‘One of the factors which made this project so successful was the close relationships we have developed over a number of years with the client, UK Highways A55 Limited, and our suppliers. Those relationships were especially important to deliver this challenging project on time.’

A spokesperson for UK Highways A55 Ltd added: ‘The Menai Suspension Bridge is an icon of civil engineering and a beloved part of local and national heritage and we are proud to have completed these works thanks to the outstanding leadership of Spencer Bridge Engineering.

‘We hope the pause in works over the winter will benefit local residents and businesses with less disruption and improved access during the holiday period.’

The Grade I listed structure first opened in 1826 and is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicle traffic.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

UGO bus Coordinator

£26357.00 - £31008.00 per annum + pension
UGO bus CoordinatorPermanent, Full Time£26,357 to £31,008 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
This role is fundamental to the success of the Highways Service. Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Senior Civil Engineer - Major Projects x 4

£45,894.00 - £54,952.00
We are looking for experienced engineers to help us progress a number of key projects and programmes Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Technician - Maintenance

£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Contract Engineer

£46,731 - £49,764
The team helps provide a safe road network that operates efficiently and effectively.  Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner

£46,731 - £49,764 (pro-rata)
We are looking for an experienced professional to join us on a six-month temporary contact as a Principal Transport Planner. Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Highways Maintenance Operative Broughton, Brigg
Recruiter: Amey

Head of Highways Contracts & Network

£81,803 progressing to £90,664 per annum
The team includes approximately 60 directly employed HCC people Hertfordshire
Recruiter: Hertfordshire County Council

Principal Construction Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Principal Construction Manager Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Quality Technician

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Quality Technician Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)

£42679.0000 - £50211.0000 per annum
Senior Highway Engineer (Development Management)Permanent, Full Time£43,960 to £51,718 per annum*Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Project Manager (Major Projects)

£44,711 - £47,754
Are you an experienced project professional or engineer with looking to take the next step in your career? Halifax, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Senior Civil Engineer - Roads

£45,894 - £54,952
Are you an experienced engineer looking to support the Scottish Government’s national objectives. Scotland
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Project Team Manager

£55,147 to £60,676 per annum
We are pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for a role as Design Team Manager Norwich, Norfolk
Recruiter: Norfolk County Council

Clerk of Works

GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Assistant Projects Engineer

GRADE 06 (£29,093 - £32,654),GRADE 07 (£33,366 - £37,035), GRADE 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
Warrington is one of the most successful towns in the country Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Traffic Management

£45,718 - £48,710 per annum
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives. Bath, Somerset
Recruiter: Bath & North East Somerset Council

Vehicle Technician - Improver

£28,624 - £30,060
Transport Services is responsible for all aspects of transport and related services Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Programme Delivery Office Administrator

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum
At Derbyshire, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services to make them fit for the future Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Support Officer - Highways Asset Management Systems

£31,586 - £34,314
We are a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to maintaining and improving our highway infrastructure. Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW