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

Senior Highways Engineer

£50,754 – £53,607 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Senior Engineer x 2

£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Rights of Way Assistant

£28,797 - £30,708
Within the Highways Directorate we are looking to appoint enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service. Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Design Engineer

Up to £0.0000 per annum
Project Design EngineerFixed Term, Full Time£37,559 to £44,186 per annum Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Project Design Engineer

Up to £0.0000 per annum
Project Design EngineerFixed Term, Full Time£37,559 to £44,186 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Electrical Design Engineer

Grade 9 £34,314 to £37,938 - Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 - Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 - Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 p.a.
The Construction Consultancy Services (CCS) team provide client-side construction consultancy services across a range of professional disciplines to d Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Park Operations Assistant - Thorndon Country Park

Up to £12540.50 per annum
This is a permanent, part time position on an annualised hours contract. This means you will be contracted to work a minimum of 964.59 hours per yea England, Essex, Brentwood
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Capital Lead

£47,754 - £50,788
To be responsible for management of the Regional Highway Capital Delivery Teams South Wales
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Development Management Engineer

£37,938 - £44,711
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Head of Highways

£66,366 - £85,284 pa
Highway Operations is a large division within the Planning, Growth & Infrastructure. Enfield (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Enfield London Borough Council

Director Highways, Transport & Waste Management

up to £120k
There for Nottinghamshire. There for each other. There for you. Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Nottinghamshire County Council

Director of Highways and Transportation

£126,909
We’re seeking a dynamic and innovative leader to spearhead our Highways and Transportation services. Essex
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Senior Structures Technician

£32,654 - £36,124 plus circa £2000 - £4000 OT (variable
To lead on the planning, delivery and reporting of the highway structures General Inspection programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recruiter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Assistant Director of Place Operations

£85,962 to £93,267
Bury is a proud and prosperous borough Bury, Greater Manchester
Recruiter: Bury Council

Career Grade Transport Planner (Carer Grade 6-8)

Grade 06 (£29,093 - £32,654) TO Grade 08 (£37,938 - £41,511)
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a forward thinking and dynamic transport authority located in the heart of the North West Warrington, Cheshire
Recruiter: Warrington Borough Council

Principal Performance and Assurance Manager

£Competitive
We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Principal Performance and Assurance Manager to join our Senior Management Team SBIM Avonmouth, Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Construction Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Principal Construction Manager to join our dynamic Area 12 West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Amey

Electrician

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Electricians Tingley, Wakefield
Recruiter: Amey
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