Kerry Evans FCIHT featured on BBC Countryfile episode on Wales' Menai Strait and Menai Suspension Bridge.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
Kerry Evans FCHIT appeared on a recent episode of BBC’s Countryfile, focusing on the Welsh Menai Strait and Menai Suspension Bridge.
Evans, General Manager for the team responsible for the Menai Suspension Bridge, highlighted the innovative nature of the design for the time.
Evans also highlighted how proper maintenance of infrastructure can enable adaptation for the needs of modern life, and therefore extending the life span of the bridge.
Evans said:
The Menai Suspension Bridge designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826 is not only an iconic piece of engineering heritage but a vital transport link for communities in north Wales and Ireland.
Its recent challenges highlight why ongoing investment, skilled professional oversight and long term stewardship of our historic infrastructure are so important, particularly the transfer of knowledge for our heritage assets.
The UK is home to some of the most prestigious and landmark engineering structures and this aging stock requires a specialist approach to their ongoing maintenance, particularly when compared to the obligations of modern Standards and marrying the needs of both.
As a Fellow of CIHT and former trustee of the Institution, I have seen first hand the critical role that professional standards, competence of specialists and evidence based decision making with close collaboration across the sector play in safeguarding structures like the Menai Suspension Bridge for future generations.
The legacy of engineers today is to preserve the past but maintain for the future in a sustainable and sensitive way.
The episode of Countryfile is available to watch here.
CIHT has previously welcomed the creation of the ‘Structures Fund’, announced as part of the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy, and the commitment of the government to enhance the resilience of transport infrastructure.
CIHT has previously called for calls for investment in maintenance of the UK’s existing highways and infrastructure to ensure the continued and efficient use of our transport network.
CIHT highlights that incrementally adapting infrastructure and proactively maintaining it is crucial for extreme weather resilience and meeting decarbonisation goals.
The CIHT report ‘Delivering a resilient transport network’ outlines that the changing climate is having a major impact on the UK ageing infrastructure. Flooding, higher temperatures, storms and severe weather are more common and accelerate failures and disruptions on the network.
Note for editors -----
Kerry Evans BSc (Hons), MSc, CEng FIHE, FCIHT, FWES is Technical Director (Highways) at EcoScope, with nearly 20 years’ experience in highways and infrastructure.
Kerry is Chair and Trustee of the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust.
Kerry is currently researching a Professional Doctorate with Leeds Beckett University, focusing on gender dynamics in engineering and the environment.
She has held significant industry roles, including CIHT Regional Representative to Council, Board of Trustees member, and Chair of the Membership Panel. She remains an active committee member of the CIHT Cymru region.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
{{item.AuthorName}} {{item.AuthorName}} says on {{item.DateFormattedString}}: