Celebrating the landmark Menai Suspension Bridge on its 200th anniversary
Wed Feb 04 2026
The latest episode of the Engineers Collective is out now: listen in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your usual platform or the player below.
Joining host Rob Hakimian this month is ICE Fellow and member of the Panel for Historic Engineering William Day, who provides a fascinating history lesson on the Menai Suspension Bridge.
The iconic bridge, which crosses the Menai strait between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, just celebrated the 200th anniversary of its opening on 30 January 1826. William tells the podcast about the landmark’s history: its design by Thomas Telford, the dimensions of its various elements and how workers overcame difficulties to complete its construction between 1819 and 1826.
The discussion then moves on to the various modifications it has had in the two centuries since its opening that have kept it in operation today. William also relays some of his own experiences working on those maintenance regimes and the feeling of renewing such a historic structure.
Prior to the interview portion, Rob is joined by NCE senior reporter Thomas Johnson to discuss recent developments in the UK’s rail network including the resurrection of Northern Powerhouse Rail, ongoing developments with the Railways Bill and more.
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The latest episode of the Engineers Collective is out now: listen in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, your usual platform or the player below. Joining host Rob Hakimian this month is ICE Fellow and member of the Panel for Historic Engineering William Day, who provides a fascinating history lesson on the Menai Suspension Bridge. The iconic bridge, which crosses the Menai strait between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, just celebrated the 200th anniversary of its opening on 30 January 1826. William tells the podcast about the landmark’s history: its design by Thomas Telford, the dimensions of its various elements and how workers overcame difficulties to complete its construction between 1819 and 1826. The discussion then moves on to the various modifications it has had in the two centuries since its opening that have kept it in operation today. William also relays some of his own experiences working on those maintenance regimes and the feeling of renewing such a historic structure. Prior to the interview portion, Rob is joined by NCE senior reporter Thomas Johnson to discuss recent developments in the UK’s rail network including the resurrection of Northern Powerhouse Rail, ongoing developments with the Railways Bill and more.