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. The suspension bridge was also the first to cross the Menai Strait, a fast-flowing stretch of tidal water, 400m at its narrowest point. Note: An earlier version of this article said the Menai Suspension Bridge was damaged by a fire in 1970. 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?