The Menai Suspension Bridge is to close for 26 hours this week, spanning Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May. The closure was ordered after an “immediate safety risk” was identified under the bridge. Nine days of single-lane operation – controlled by traffic lights – are also scheduled, starting on Wednesday 13, reports the Daily Post.
This “tidal flow” arrangement will be in place until 22 May, between 10am and 6pm each day. Walkers and dismounted cyclists will be still able to cross the bridge during the maintenance works.
A new form of suspended scaffolding has been erected beneath the bridge to enable its underdeck to be blasted and painted via two moving platforms. Known as the Aerotruss system, it was specifically designed for the Menai bridge – ironically to “eliminate the need for traffic management for most of the programme”.
However, its construction revealed yet more unexpected problems with the bridge, which crosses the Menai Strait between Gwynedd and Anglesey. The Welsh Government said communication cables running underneath had been found to be “unsecured”.
A strict 7.5-tonne weight limit is currently in place on the 200-year-old bridge. Twice last month the crossing had be closed for inspections after it was used by overweight vehicles.
Thanking affected drivers for their “continued patience”, the Welsh Government said: “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption while this important work is carried out.
(Picture: Spencer Bridge Engineering)
