Spencer Bridge Engineering has been recognised at the 2025 New Civil Engineer (NCE) Bridges Awards after winning the Historic Bridge Project of the Year award for its work on the Menai Suspension Bridge Permanent Replacement Hangers project.
Delivered alongside UK Highways A55 and COWI UK, the project involved one of the most significant restoration programmes ever undertaken on the iconic Grade I listed suspension bridge, helping safeguard one of the UK’s most important historic structures ahead of its bicentenary in 2026.
The award celebrates excellence in the conservation and restoration of historic bridge assets, recognising projects that successfully combine engineering innovation with the careful preservation of nationally significant infrastructure.
The judges praised the project for its exceptional planning and execution, highlighting the team’s ability to deliver a highly complex structural intervention while maintaining the bridge’s operation and protecting its historic character.
Spencer Bridge Engineering successfully replaced 168 permanent wire rope hangers on the bridge, restoring its structural integrity while maintaining access for the thousands of vehicles that cross the Menai Strait every day.
Working on a structure of such historical importance required meticulous planning, specialist engineering expertise and close collaboration with project partners to minimise disruption while delivering a solution that will protect the bridge for generations to come.
Receiving the Historic Bridge Project of the Year award reflects the commitment, innovation and technical expertise demonstrated by everyone involved in the project.
The judges commented that the scheme:
The Menai Suspension Bridge hanger replacement project demonstrates great planning and execution, excellent delivery of a highly complex structural intervention, demonstrating a great amount of care and attention to detail. Delivered on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction, Judges said this work preserves a vital historic asset with exceptional care and precision.
Luke Fisher, Operations Director at Spencer Bridge Engineering, said:
This project has been one of the most technically challenging and rewarding we’ve delivered. To have that work recognised by our peers within the bridge engineering industry is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. We’d like to thank UK Highways A55, COWI UK and all of our project partners for their collaboration throughout the programme.