Spencer Bridge Engineering honoured for Menai Suspension Bridge hanger replacement

Spencer Bridge Engineering, a multi-disciplinary firm based in Hull, has received the Bridge Project Team of the Year award at the New Civil Engineering (NCE) Bridges Awards 2026. The accolade recognises the company’s exceptional work on the Grade I-listed Menai Suspension Bridge, a vital link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey.

The award highlights the successful completion of a complex hanger replacement programme on the 200-year-old structure, which carries approximately 46,000 vehicles daily. Spencer Bridge Engineering replaced and painted 168 wire rope hangers, restoring the bridge’s full structural integrity and eliminating a significant public safety risk.

The project was commissioned by UK Highways A55 Ltd, which has managed the crossing for nearly three decades. Spencer Bridge Engineering has undertaken various maintenance and renovation projects on the bridge during this period. The team demonstrated strong leadership, innovation, and collaboration to replace multiple hangers simultaneously while maintaining safety standards.

To safely remove the existing hangers without damaging the historic structure, the engineers designed bespoke equipment. The project faced challenges including live traffic management, stringent listed building consent requirements, and exposure to harsh coastal weather. The team also upgraded anchor rods and sealed connection points to ensure long-term durability.

Opened in 1826, the Menai Suspension Bridge is the world’s second-oldest suspension bridge still in use for vehicle traffic. Spencer Bridge Engineering’s work on the hanger replacement was carried out in partnership with COWI UK, responsible for permanent works design, and Fatzer AG, the hanger supplier. Specialist manufacturers were also involved throughout planning, testing, and execution phases.

The restoration project exemplifies how innovative approaches, empowered teams, and collaborative leadership can deliver complex infrastructure works safely and efficiently. Lessons learned during the project have been incorporated into subsequent maintenance efforts, underscoring Spencer Bridge Engineering’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Luke Fisher, Bridges Director at Spencer Bridge Engineering, said: “Winning the Bridge Project Team of the Year Award is a great honour and fitting recognition of the skill, dedication and collaboration shown by everyone involved in this project. To be recognised by New Civil Engineer in such prestigious awards is a fantastic achievement and a testament to everyone involved. Thank you to UK Highways A55 Ltd and COWI, along with our partners, suppliers and everyone who contributed to this project. This is a tremendous accolade for the whole team and one we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.”

The NCE Bridges Awards judges praised the team’s efforts: “Tasked with replacing 168 hangers on a major suspension bridge whilst keeping a vital crossing operational, this team demonstrated outstanding collaboration, coordinating daily with highway authorities, government stakeholders and key suppliers throughout delivery. Bespoke rig development, prototype testing and detailed sequencing reflect a high level of technical innovation, with lessons learned actively applied to inform approaches on other major national infrastructure projects.”