Engineering group hired to refurbish iconic suspension bridge
Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has further strengthened its credentials after being selected to revitalise a famous crossing ahead of the structure’s 200th anniversary year.
Hull-based Spencer Group, which has carried out maintenance and repairs on some of the UK’s most well known bridges, has been awarded a series of contracts for further major works on the Menai Suspension Bridge.
The Grade I listed structure is the second oldest operational vehicular suspension bridge in the world. Opened in 1826, it crosses the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey and mainland Wales.
The primary focus of the work includes a £1.5m restoration project to repaint the entire main span underdeck of the 417m-long bridge.
Working on behalf of client UK Highways A55 Ltd, Spencer Group has designed moving gantry platforms to enable its team to access the currently unreachable main span underdeck in order to shotblast, inspect and repaint the area.
The works will begin once designs are complete and environmental approvals have been granted, as the Menai Strait is protected as a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a wetland area of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
In addition, Spencer Group has been appointed to strengthen the handrails of the pedestrian walkways on the approach spans to both sides of the bridge. The works are targeted to be complete by late 2022.
A further project will see Spencer Group replace most of the vertical road deck hangers, which suspend the deck from the main chains of the bridge.
A fourth project will involve Spencer Group upgrading and improving the bridge’s street and decorative lighting, installing a more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly LED system.
Spencer Group is now working with UK Highways A55 Ltd to develop and agree the final specification for the lighting project, which will begin later this year. While a completion date has yet to be agreed, the light installation phase will begin in 2023.
The latest contract wins come after Spencer Group completed a project to remove, replace and then resurface the footway panels on the approach spans on both sides of the bridge.
Luke Fisher, sector lead for bridges and structures at Spencer Group, said: “UK Highways A55 Ltd identified that the bridge is suffering from corrosion and needs repainting.
“For the underdeck painting scheme, we designed the moving gantry platforms, which are unique to this project, and our industry-leading capabilities in this sector formed a significant part of the bid.
“We’re proud to have been awarded these contracts and to be given the opportunity to further demonstrate our ability to find innovative solutions to complex challenges of this nature.”
Kerry Evans, operations manager for UK Highways A55 Ltd, added: “As we prepare for the 200th anniversary of this magnificent structure, a series of major maintenance projects are in development.
“UK Highways A55 Ltd is looking forward to working with the team at Spencer Group again as we embark on the underdeck painting works and the replacement hanger project.”
