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

Traffic Management Technician - WMF2240e

£28,598 - £29,540
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking a committed and technically capable individual to join our Traffic Management Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Technician-Road Closures

£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technician - Road Closures (2 Posts)

£29,719 - £31,691
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic, an excellent team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bridge Engineer - WMF2219e

£42,839 - £44,075
We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Bridge Engineer Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Public Transport Officer

£42,839 - £46,142
We are looking for an experienced public transport professional to become our Senior Public Transport Officer. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) (Fixed-Term)

£48,226-£51,356
We are looking for an experienced professional to join as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 to £25,989 per annum
The Waste and Street Scene department requires enthusiastic and committed mobile street cleansing operative. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Technician - Highways Design (2 Posts)

Grade 10 £35,422 - 38,730 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Professional Services Section Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire 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