Spencer Bridge Engineering earns top industry honour for restoration of historic crossing

SPENCER Bridge Engineering was named as Bridge Project Team of the Year at the New Civil Engineering (NCE) Bridges Awards 2026 for the delivery of a highly complex and challenging hanger replacement programme on the 200-year-old crossing.

The prestigious industry awards celebrate the very best of the bridge engineering community recognising outstanding projects and visionary professionals.

Spencer Bridge Engineering’s team were honoured with the accolade in front of leading companies from across the sector during a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Bankside in London. 

The team were recognised for their work on the Menai Suspension Bridge, a crucial road link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, carrying around 46,000 vehicles every day.

The Spencer Bridge Engineering team replaced and painted 168 wire rope hangers on the bridge, restoring the full structural integrity of the structure while removing a critical risk to public safety.

The project was delivered for UK Highways A55 Ltd, which has successfully operated and maintained the crossing for almost 30 years, with Spencer Bridge Engineering carrying out a series of complex maintenance and renovation projects on behalf of the client.

Spencer Bridge Engineering displayed exceptional project leadership, collaboration and innovation to enable multiple hangers to be replaced simultaneously while ensuring safety.

The project involved the highly experienced team designing bespoke equipment to safely remove the existing hangers while protecting the surrounding bridge structure.

The team successfully completed the project despite contending with live traffic, rigorous listed building consent requirements, and the exposed coastal climate. The project team sealed and coated the connections for long-term durability, while anchor rods and other critical components were also upgraded.

Opened in 1826, the Menai crossing is the second-oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicle traffic, and Spencer Bridge Engineering teams have been carrying out a series of works on the structure over several years.

The hanger replacement project was a collaboration between COWI UK, as permanent works designer, and Fatzer AG, as hanger supplier, as well as specialist manufacturers, who were fully integrated into planning, testing and execution.

The restoration is a testament to how innovative thinking, empowered teams and collaborative leadership can deliver complex, high-profile infrastructure works safely, efficiently and with lasting impact.

Following the hanger replacement project, the knowledge gained has been embedded into further works, highlighting Spencer Bridge Engineering’s commitment to learning and collaboration.

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 said of the winning Spencer Bridge Engineering entry: “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.”

• To see the full list of NCE Bridges Awards 2026 winners, go to: bridges.newcivilengineer.com/ncbr26/en/page/2026-winners