The Menai Suspension Bridge was designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826, at the time the longest bridge in the world. Since then significant work has been undertaken at regular intervals to ensure the continued use of the bridge, including, 3 replacement decks in the first 75 years and a major refurbishment in 1938 which saw the total replacement of the deck, chains and hangers. In 2022 the bridge was closed to traffic after a brittle fracture issue was discovered in the hanger sockets and since then work has been underway to replace the 1938 hangers.

Sam Wood, Principal Engineer at COWI UK, is a Chartered Civil Engineer with wide experience in the assessment, management and strengthening of existing structures and is also regularly involved in the design of new structures. He has a particular interest in the conservation and ongoing use of our historic infrastructure and has brought his experience to bear on several nationally significant heritage structures including Menai Suspension Bridge, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the National Theatre.