More Menai Suspension Bridge tests means 5 days of disruption for …

Drivers will face five days of disruption early next month as engineers run tests on the work carried out on the Menai Suspension Bridge. The crossing between Anglesey[1] and Gwynedd[2] was shut for over three months before it reopened in February, but the repairs made at the time were only a temporary fix.

As it stands, the structure has a weight restriction of 7.5 tonnes for vehicles and further work is needed before the historic bridge can reopen to all traffic. The bridge was shut after concerns were raised by structural engineers last October over the condition of the steel hangers, prompting fears that the entire structure could “unzip”[3].

Permanent replacement hangers are currently being designed as engineering firms Spencer Group and COWI develop the long-term remedial programme. In the meantime, further inspections will be carried out. These are being conducted every six weeks, with the last tests having taken place in the last week of April[4].

The next inspection will be carried out between Monday, June 5 and Saturday, June 10. To allow this to take place safely, a lane will need to be closed. During the lane closure, access to the bridge will be controlled by traffic lights. This will allow motorists to continue crossing the bridge in both directions.

Workers implemented temporary repairs to Menai Suspension Bridge in January Workers implemented temporary repairs to Menai Suspension Bridge in January

Th Welsh Government said: "The next set of work will take place between 5 and 10 June. A lane will be closed to allow the work to be undertaken safely. There will be traffic lights in operation from 9am to 6pm daily. You will still be able to cross the bridge in both directions while the works are taking place.

"This next set of work includes the six weekly inspection and the further investigation needed to help plan the permanent hanger replacement."

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References

  1. ^ Anglesey (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  2. ^ Gwynedd (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  3. ^ entire structure could “unzip” (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  4. ^ taken place in the last week of April (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  5. ^ Welsh language blunder on sign at North Wales hospital leaves people in stitches (www.dailypost.co.uk)
  6. ^ Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter (www.dailypost.co.uk)