TelfordThe Menai Heritage ExperienceStephenson
prosiectmenai.co.ukmenaibridges.co.uk
Thomas Telford Centre, Mona Road, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5EA (Google Maps)
Tel: 01248 715046 E-mail: mbcht@btconnect.com
Timeline Of The Bridge's History
On this page you can see a timeline of the Menai bridge. Scroll through the timeline to find out about the key dates in the Menai Bridge's History
1282
Edward I first built a bridge across the Strait (using boats)
Edward I first built a bridge across the Strait (using boats)
1594
Queen Elizabeth leases ferry to John Williams, whose family would run a ferry across the Strait until the bridge was completed.
Queen Elizabeth leases ferry to John Williams, whose family would run a ferry across the Strait until the bridge was completed.
1776
Mr Goldborne proposed the first bridge across the Strait.
Mr Goldborne proposed the first bridge across the Strait.
1800
Mr Nichols suggests that a wooden viaduct with drawbridge at the centre should be build close to Cadnant Island.
Mr Nichols suggests that a wooden viaduct with drawbridge at the centre should be build close to Cadnant Island.
1801
John Rennie was commissioned to inspect favourable harbour sites for crossing to Ireland. He also prepared initial plans for a bridge across the Straits – the war with Napoleon stopped this.
John Rennie was commissioned to inspect favourable harbour sites for crossing to Ireland. He also prepared initial plans for a bridge across the Straits – the war with Napoleon stopped this.
1810
Thomas Telford appointed to report on London to Holyhead road, he proposed 2 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 Pig Island.
Thomas Telford appointed to report on London to Holyhead road, he proposed 2 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 Pig Island.
1815
Telford appointed to build a bridge over the Menai Strait.
Telford appointed to build a bridge over the Menai Strait.
1818
Telford formally submits a plan for suspension bridge.
Telford formally submits a plan for suspension bridge.
14th 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 effect their businesses.
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 effect their businesses.
1819
Act of Parliament authorized Telford to begin work on Suspension Bridge. The first stone was laid on 10th August.
Act of Parliament authorized Telford to begin work on Suspension Bridge. The first stone was laid on 10th August.
1824
The main stonework on the bridge was completed.
The main stonework on the bridge was completed.
20th Apr 1825
The first chain was lifted into position.
The first chain was lifted into position.
30th Jan 1826
The completed bridge was opened for the first time to traffic.
The completed bridge was opened for the first time to traffic.
1938
Dorman Long was commissioned to modernize and strengthen the bridge – arches on carriage way were widened, suspender rods and chains were replaced and a new deck was constructed with footpaths on either side of the bridge..
Dorman Long was commissioned to modernize and strengthen the bridge – arches on carriage way were widened, suspender rods and chains were replaced and a new deck was constructed with footpaths on either side of the bridge..
31st Dec 1940
The restoration work was completed and the toll for crossing the bridge was dropped.
The restoration work was completed and the toll for crossing the bridge was dropped.
1999
Major repair works were completed to strengthen the road deck.
Major repair works were completed to strengthen the road deck.
2005
The bridge was repainted fully for the first time since 1940.
The bridge was repainted fully for the first time since 1940.