Menai Suspension Bridge

Chain suspension bridge, opened January 30, 1826. Designed by Thomas Telford to carry the London to Holyhead road across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. Telford had to keep the channel open for the Royal Navy and merchant shipping, and his answer was to hang the road from chains instead of standing it on piers in the water. The suspended span of about 580 feet was a bold leap for its day, and the long level deck slung between limestone piers still looks light against the strait. The original wrought-iron chains were replaced with steel in 1938, so what you see today is Telford's form carried by newer metal. For the best view, walk down to the shore on the Anglesey side and look back toward the mainland mountains.