The historic Menai Suspension Bridge will be closed for parts of Saturday, 8 August, as organisers mark the structure’s 200th anniversary year. HistoryThe Menai Suspension Bridge was commissioned to complete the London–Holyhead road, a key route to Ireland. Telford’s design, which was the first modern suspension bridge, spans 176m between two 52.7m high masonry towers, allowing faster overland travel. The suspension bridge was also the first to cross the Menai Strait, a fast-flowing stretch of tidal water, 400m at its narrowest point. Menai Suspension Bridge by numbers: 1 – The Menai Suspension Bridge appears on the 2005 £1 coin 16 – The number of chain cables used to support the 176m span 400 – The width of Menai Strait at its narrowest point (m) 417 – The length of the Menai Suspension Bridge (m) 1980 – The year major strengthening work was completedLike what you've read?