A vital bridge has had work completed to restore its 'full structural integrity' ahead of its 200th anniversary.

The Menai Suspension Bridge, which connects the Isle of Anglesey with mainland Wales, closed in October 2022 after posing a 'critical risk to public safety'.

Spencer Bridge Engineering, UK Highways A55 Ltd, and the Welsh Government worked together to finish the latest set of refurbishment works on the bridge.

This included the replacement and painting of 168 out of 208 wire rope hangers on the Grade I listed structure.

The Menai Suspension Bridge, originally opened in 1826, is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicle traffic.

For the past four years, Spencer Bridge Engineering has been undertaking various projects to revitalise the historic crossing before its bicentenary in 2026.

These projects included replacing footpath panels and installing emergency failsafes on the 417-metre-long bridge.

The hanger replacement project began in autumn 2023 and was recently completed.

The hangers, ranging in length from less than one metre to more than 14 metres, were fabricated according to a strict specification by Swiss steel manufacturer, Fatzer AG.

The replacement of the historic hangers, which were installed in 1938 when the bridge was reconstructed, required bespoke equipment designed by Spencer’s bridges team.

Project manager Tom Inglis said: "The project posed a number of significant challenges, including working in a harsh environment with strong winds and wet weather, but we have a large and diverse skillset which enables us to draw on past experiences to develop solutions.

"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."

A spokesperson for UK Highways A55 Ltd said: "The Menai Suspension Bridge is an icon of civil engineering and a beloved part of local and national heritage.

"The completion of the hanger replacement programme to schedule is a significant achievement 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.

"We look forward to completing the rest of the programme of works next year ahead of its 200th anniversary in 2026."