Britannia Bridge to undergo restoration to strengthen crucial rail link

UK-based railway company Network Rail has announced that the Britannia Bridge, which carries both the railway and the A55 road across the Menai Strait between Anglesey and mainland Wales, is set to undergo restoration work.

As part of the renovation work, the Grade II listed bridge will see the installation of support beams below the stone lintels at the top of the three towers along the bridge.

Engineering contractor AmcoGiffen will execute the first stage of the work on behalf of Network Rail and install scaffolding on the three towers during six weeknights.

To minimise road traffic disruption, the scaffolding will be built up the sides of the towers from the rail deck level.

However, the renovation work will not disrupt rail services.

In the next stage, around 36 support beams, which are made from fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP), will be raised into position under the 24 stone lintels positioned at the top of the three towers.

This additional support will provide a secure and reliable transport link for the route.

Network Rail Wales project director Kevin Collins said: “This bridge is not only a critical transport link but also a famous part of the north Wales’ heritage and its landscape. These important works will help to keep it looking its best and doing its job for generations to come.”

Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales Ken Skates MS said: “This work is of vital importance and I am grateful to Network Rail and AmcoGiffen for their sensitive approach to minimising the disruption to road and rail traffic across the Britannia Bridge. It will ensure the well-known structure can continue carrying out its duty of connecting Ynys Mon and the Welsh mainland.”

In addition, Network Rail is set to begin improvement work at Harringay railway station as part of a project to strengthen the footbridge.

Built in 1885, the bridge has the ticket office on it currently.

Firstly, Network Rail teams will work on the first stage of the project, which involves the construction of a new office for GTR staff on platform 1.

Thereafter, the teams will conduct thorough inspections of the footbridge to determine the degree of work and the best options to fortify it.