Current Works Update

UK Highways A55 are proud to be maintaining the world’s first major suspension bridge.

The Menai Suspension Bridge – designed by Thomas Telford – was opened on 30 January 1826. UK Highways A55 Ltd have proudly been operating the Menai Suspension Bridge since 1998 and preparations are now well under way ahead of the 200th anniversary of the Menai Suspension Bridge.

To receive updates on the Menai Suspension Bridge, sign up to our newsletter below.

Phase Two of the permanent works is under way. The programme was reviewed during a pause in late 2025 to reduce the need for traffic management. TM will now only be required for intermittent periods at key points, rather than continuously, reducing the impact on the local community and road users. Phase Two works began in January 2026.

A more permanent solution to the crossbeam issue was installed in February 2026. The AeroTruss system, which allows equipment to be stored under the bridge and keeps both lanes open, has since been installed.

Work is now progressing on the bridge’s corbels, parapets and underdeck, together with inspection and painting of the bearings. The bridge remains open to all traffic under 7.5 tonnes, and advance notice will be given before any period of traffic management.

For the latest updates, take a look at our Facebook page



Frequently
Asked
Questions

About the works

What is happening?

We are refurbishing the Menai Suspension Bridge and improving the safety of road users. Phase Two of the works began in January 2026 and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2027. This phase includes:

Corbel repairs: repairing the concrete corbels.

Lighting: upgrading the lighting on the bridge.

Parapet repairs and painting: removing, repairing and repainting the parapets.

Underdeck painting: grit-blasting and repainting the metalwork beneath the deck.

Bearing inspection and painting: inspecting and painting the bearings near the towers.

Will the bridge remain open during phase 2?

Yes, the bridge will remain open to vehicles weighing under 7.5-tonnes.

It may intermittently be necessary to close one lane on the Bridge in order to allow works to be completed, with traffic management in place to support this. Every step has been taken to reduce the need for traffic management and lane closures will be clearly communicated in advance to minimise disruption.

What happened during phase 1?

Phase 1 works were carried out after defects were found in the Bridge’s hangers, which support the roadway. These were all replaced with work starting on 4 September 2023 and being completed in October 2024.

Who is carrying out the work?

The work is being carried out by UK Highways A55 Ltd, which operates and maintains the bridge on behalf of the Welsh Government, alongside delivery partners such as Spencer Bridge Engineering.

Traffic management and closures

Why is there traffic management and why does the bridge need to close sometimes?

UK Highways A55 Limited (UKH), working with Welsh Government and local stakeholders, paused the original Phase Two programme in September 2025 to review the need for full-time (24/7, 365 days) Traffic Management on MSB during the year-long programme.

We have now adopted a revised programme which reduces the need for traffic management, including by storing equipment under the bridge. This new programme began in January 2026.

Will there still need to be Traffic Management at times on MSB?

Yes. Due to the nature of the works and their location, there will be time in the programme when TM is required on MSB. UKH will give advance notice of when these periods will take place.

Why is TM required?

The MSB is a work site, with contractors working daily both on and under the Bridge. TM is required for the health and safety of workers and the members of public who use the bridge.

The 7.5-tonne weight limit

Why is the weight limit of the bridge restricted to vehicles below 7.5 tonnes?

We are using a special platform called the AeroTruss to help workers paint underneath the Menai Suspension Bridge. The platform hangs below the bridge, making it easier and safer for workers to reach the parts that need painting.

The AeroTruss was chosen because it lets us do this important work while causing as little disruption as possible. Cars and small vehicles can still use the bridge, so people can continue their journeys more easily.

Normally, the bridge is strong enough to carry very heavy vehicles, including large lorries weighing up to 44 tonnes. However, while the AeroTruss is attached, the bridge is already carrying extra weight from the platform and equipment. To keep everyone safe and protect the bridge, vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are not allowed to cross.

The other option would have been to use traffic lights on the bridge all the time while the painting work was taking place. This happened during similar work in 2005 and caused much more delay for people travelling across the bridge. By using the AeroTruss, we can keep traffic moving more smoothly while the bridge is being maintained.

What would happen if a vehicle over 7.5-tonnes crosses the MSB?

An overweight vehicle could cause significant damage to critical connections between the main deck and the supporting steel trusses. If a vehicle that is too heavy crosses the bridge, engineers must carry out safety checks straight away to make sure no damage has been caused.

If this were to happen, a full closure of the bridge for an extended period would be required to undertake repairs.

It is therefore essential that all bridge users respect the 7.5-tonne weight restriction.

Speed cushions

Why are there Speed Cushions on the approach spans of the bridge?

We have put in temporary speed cushions on the masonry approach to the Menai Suspension Bridge. We put them in after a near miss on the bridge where a vehicle lost control and hit some of the bridge hangers. The vehicle also came into the area where our team was working. The speed cushions are in place for the safety of all those using and working on the bridge.

The speed cushions are working well. Average speeds have dropped in line with the 20mph limit. This makes the bridge safer and means fewer closures.

Do the Speed Cushions cause vibration on the bridge?

No. The speed cushions are placed on the approaches to the Bridge and not on the crossing itself.

Are the Speed Cushions Legal?

We carried out a GG 119 Road Safety Audit before installing the speed cushions. The check said the speed cushions should go in the 20mph zone. There is normally a rule against speed cushions within 25 metres of a bridge. The check found this rule does not apply under Regulation 7. We also do not need Listed Building Consent.

Height restriction

Why is there a height restriction on the bridge?

The 3m height restriction was put in place as an additional means of deterring overweight vehicles. The majority of vehicles in excess of 7.5-tonnes are taller than 3m.

The height restriction installed is made of high visibility bunting instead of a steel framed barrier. It is designed to break when struck. If a steel framed barrier were struck, it could be a safety risk to road users and pedestrians

Why is the height restriction on the Bangor approach not placed at the Antelope roundabout?

The height restriction has been placed on the start of the approach road in order to minimise the impact on local businesses and facilities.

There are a number of businesses located in the Treborth Gardens area that receive deliveries from vehicles over 7.5 tons and 3m in height. Coaches also require access to the Treborth 3G Arena.

Height restrictions placed on the Antelope roundabout would unnecessarily impact these vehicles.

Why has a steel frame height barrier not been installed on the bridge?

We have looked into installing a fixed steel height restriction barrier on the bridge, as an additional preventative measure in attempted to stop vehicles over 7.5tons crossing. Following a series of investigations, including an independent Road Safety Audit, it was deemed unsuitable for several reasons.

Treborth Gardens and Bangor University Sports Ground need to remain open for access to coaches and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Placing a barrier at the Antelope roundabout was deemed unsuitable as this would stop users accessing the playing fields and businesses in that area.
Placement away from the Antelope roundabout in the location of the current height restriction just after the junction of Treborth Gardens, would require vehicles which are too tall to reverse a long way causing a lot of disruption and delay.
There are numerous UK registered vehicles under 3m that can carry a revenue road weight above the 7.5-ton weight restriction limit that would and could still cross the Menai Suspension Bridge under a 3-metre height restriction.
The current height restriction fixtures on the approaches from both Bangor and Anglesey have been struck and the bunting snapped on several occasions when vehicles that are under 7.5-tons have passed underneath. These include light goods vehicles, SUVs, caravans and vans carrying equipment on top.
If a vehicle were to strike the height barrier, there is a significant risk that it could fall over, hitting other vehicles, road users and pedestrian. This could cause injury and would result in both lanes being closed while recovery and re-installation takes place. This would place users in significant danger and would take considerable time for removal, replacement or repair resulting in an unscheduled closure of the bridge.
Weekly maintenance and inspection checks would have to be carried out on any fixed structure across the carriageway resulting in a period of closure of both lanes of the bridge on both the Bangor and Anglesey sides during inspections.
Overhead height restriction barriers are not common on the public highway within the UK because of the risks they introduce. There have been recorded instances of drivers ignoring height restriction warnings within the UK and causing bridge strikes on other overhead carriageways and railway bridges.

Ongoing traffic measures

What other traffic measures are going to be placed on the bridge to keep it open?

UKH and WG constantly monitor the impact and effectiveness of traffic measures and will amend measures should that be necessary.

It is essential that road users adhere to the measures and signage in place to enable the bridge to remain open.

Can emergency vehicles travel over the Menai Suspension Bridge during phase 2 works?

Emergency vehicles weighing under 7.5-tonnes will be able to cross the bridge during Phase 2,

Specific arrangements are in place for emergency scenarios and UK Highways A55 has developed a Blue Lights Policy with local emergency services to ensure vehicles can get to where they need to.

What happens if the Britannia Bridge is closed?

It is uncommon for the A55 Britannia Bridge to close. If it does close, it is usually only for a few hours.

When there are high winds certain vehicle types are advised not to cross during certain conditions.

Following a strategy review, wind speed limits have been changed for some vehicle types. So the bridge should remain open to more vehicles, more often and any closure will be as short as possible. This has helped Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to continue to cross the A55 Britannia Bridge during adverse weather events. The Welsh Government is also exploring options to mitigate the impact of high winds on the Britannia Bridge as well.

During the Phase 2 works, the Menai Suspension Bridge will continue to allow vehicles weighing under 7.5-tonnes to cross the bridge. HGVs and other vehicles weighing over 7.5-tonnes must not use the Menai Suspension Bridge at any time, including when Britannia Bridge is closed.

What support is available for businesses?

Businesses are encouraged to access support via the dedicated Business Wales service: Business Wales: supporting businesses in Wales.

Many smaller businesses already qualify for 100% rates relief in Menai Bridge. During the phase 1 works, Isle of Anglesey County Council identified 30 additional Menai Bridge businesses that were eligible for rates relief under the retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme. The Council invited those businesses to apply.

If you think your business might be eligible for rates relief please contact Isle of Anglesey County Council to discuss further. Further contact information, including application forms is available at Isle of Anglesey County Council: Retail, leisure and hospitality rates relief scheme.

Businesses which are liable for non-domestic rates may be eligible to apply to the Valuation Office Agency for a temporary reduction in rateable value. To find out more, go to: GOV.UK: Find a business rates valuation.

Community Engagement

UK Highways A55 Ltd and the Welsh Government provide regular updates for local stakeholders and local residents.

Since the start of the permanent works in September 2023, regular briefing meetings have been held with local elected leaders. These meetings serve to update stakeholders on the progress of the permanent works programme and provide a forum where questions could be raised and answered.

UK Highways A55 Ltd also publish periodic newsletters on the progress of works to provide a more detailed summary of works for Menai Bridge users.

UK Highways A55 Ltd is proud to support the Menai Bridge Cricket Club and Llangefni Rugby Club for the 2025/26 season and the Menai Heritage Museum.

UK Highways A55 Ltd is supporting the next generation of engineers in north Wales. Recent visits, arranged through the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), have allowed local apprentices to see the works at first hand.

The bridge in the media

The daring bridge that rewrote the engineering rulebook 200 years ago

CNN Travel

Smart solution minimises traffic disruption during Menai Suspension Bridge repairs

New Civil Engineer

Menai Strait

BBC Countryfile

Programme of Permanent Works – Timeline

Spring

2027

Completion of Phase Two works

On completion of the permanent works

The 7.5T weight restriction will be lifted
The bridge will be fully renovated and preserved for future generations

History of the Menai Suspension Bridge

Years of heritage

In 1810 Thomas Telford was appointed to survey the road from Shrewsbury to Holyhead and in 1815 he was commissioned to improve the whole route from London to Holyhead, which included major works such as the Waterloo Bridge at Betws y Coed, Nant Ffrancon Pass in Snowdonia, Stanley Embankment near Holyhead and, the Menai Suspension Bridge. The resident engineer for the Menai Suspension Bridge was William A. Provis.

The first stone was laid on 10 August 1819 and the entire construction was completed on 30 January 1826. The bridge spans 176m in length and its roadway is set to allow 100 feet of clearance space beneath for tall ships.

In 2019 a celebration of the first stone being laid was held by the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust.

Proposal

1810

Thomas Telford was appointed to report on the London to Holyhead road, he proposed two bridge designs over the Strait – bridge on piers and a single arch bridge. Objection led to the suggestion of a suspension bridge across Swellies at Ynys y Moch

Appointed

1815

Telford was appointed to design the Menai Strait crossing

Plan Submission

1818

Telford formally submits a plan for a suspension bridge

Opposition

14 Aug 1818

A meeting was held in Caernarfon among local gentry and businesses to raise opposition to the bridge, as the bridge was over 7 miles away from their town and would affect their businesses

Authorisation

1819

Act of Parliament authorised Telford to begin work on the Suspension Bridge. The first stone was laid on 10th August

Masonry work Completion

1824

The main masonry work on the bridge was completed

Chain No.1

20 Apr 1825

The first chain was lifted into position

Completion

30 Jan 1826

The completed bridge was opened for the first time to public traffic

Consolidate

1938

Dorman Long was commissioned to modernise and strengthen the bridge. The arches on the carriageway were widened, suspender rods and chains were replaced and a new deck was constructed with footpaths on either side of the bridge

Restoration Completion

31 Dec 1940

The restoration work was completed and the toll for crossing the bridge was removed

Major Repairs

1999

Major repair works were completed to strengthen the road deck

Rejuvenation

2005

The bridge was repainted fully for the first time since 1940

The 200th Anniversary of the Menai Suspension Bridge

The Menai Suspension
Bridge turns 200

The Menai Suspension Bridge reached its 200th anniversary in January 2026. To mark the milestone, a commemorative plaque was unveiled close to the bridge, supported by UK Highways A55 Ltd and the Welsh Government.

2025

In 2025, all the newly-installed hangers were painted in weather-proof paint to protect them from the elements in the Menai Strait

Associated stakeholders

UK Highways - A55 DBFO ltd company

For a thirty year period, since December 1998, UK Highways A55 Ltd is the DBFO (Design, Build, Finance and Operate) Company that have operated and maintained the Menai Suspension Bridge (in accordance with the DBFO contract).

Vercity Group

Award winning infrastructure and real estate project leadership.

Eco-Scope

Ecoscope Ltd. provide a full range of ecological, arboricultural, wildlife landscaping and environmental engineering services throughout the UK.

GCE

Gwynedd Civil Engineering is incorporated into the Highway Works Services of the Highways, Engineering and YGC of Cyngor Gwynedd. This service has overall responsibility for all aspects of highway maintenance within the Authority and on the A55 DBFO Contract.

Sandberg

Sandberg is a privately owned organisation able to provide wholly independent professional and technical services to all concerned with the quality and performance of materials.

The Spencer Group

We are Spencer Group, a UK leader in engineering with a vision for creating a greater future.

Cowi

Together with partners we create innovative solutions that cut down carbon emissions and have a positive impact on societies around the globe.

YGC

YGC is a multidisciplinary consultancy providing innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the delivery needs of the built environment.

Mott Macdonald

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in all we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

Learn More about the Menai Strait

To learn more about this historic bridge, the Menai strait, and the development of linkages between the Isle of Anglesey and Bangor in Wales, visit the Menai Heritage Museum.

Did you know?

The Designer of the bridge was Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford.
William A. Provis was appointed resident engineer for the project
The first stone was laid on 10 August 1819
The Menai Suspension Bridge was completed on 30th January 1826
The Bridge connects Bangor, Wales to the Isle of Anglesey over a distance of 176m
Originally the bridge was supported by four sets of four iron chains
The roadway is set 100ft above Mean High Water to accommodate tall ships
Major refurbishment works occurred between 1938-1940. This included works to two sets of two chains, the deck and the footways

Menai Heritage Museum

Menai Heritage has an accredited museum with exhibits the history of the industry of the Menai Strait including its two famous bridges

Opening Times

It is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays between June and August

Location

Canolfan Thomas Telford Centre
Mona Rd.
Menai Bridge
LL59 5EA

UK Highways A55 are proud to be maintaining the world’s first major suspension bridge.

To receive updates on the Menai Suspension Bridge, sign up to our newsletter below.