1282 |
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. |
1776 |
Mr Goldborne proposed the first bridge across the Strait.
|
1785 |
Mr Nichols suggests that a wooden viaduct with drawbridge at the centre should be build close to Cadnant Island. |
1800 |
The Act of Union with Ireland was signed to take affect on 1st Jan 1801. Ttravel from London to Dublin by MPs would become vital, therefore Parliament proposed to bridge the Menai Strait. |
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. |
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. |
1815 |
Telford appointed to build a bridge over the Menai Strait. |
1818 |
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.
|
1819 |
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. |
20th Apr 1825 |
The first chain was lifted into position. |
30th Jan 1826 |
The completed bridge was opened for the first time to traffic. |
1893 |
The wooden carriageway replaced by a steel deck covered with macadam. |
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..
|
31st Dec 1940 |
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. |
2005 |
The bridge was repainted fully for the first time since 1940. |
