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An innovative gantry system developed especially for the Menai Suspension Bridge has been sitting unused on a nearby dock for several months. Bridge repair specialist Spencer Bridge Engineering (SBE) had hoped to deploy its “game-changing” AeroTruss system for phase 2 works, which were originally due to start in March. These were subsequently delayed by procurement and licensing issues. Phase 2 works finally got underway in late summer, only for the schedule to be delayed further when faulty nuts and bolts were found on the bridge’s underdeck earlier this month. The historic bridge fully reopened to two-way traffic this morning (Friday, October 24). However phase 2 works will have to wait a while longer: a temporary patch is in place until a permanent solution is installed in the coming weeks. The first phase of the project, carried out on behalf of UK Highways A55 Ltd and the Welsh Government, saw 168 wire rope hangers replaced using specially-designed jacking systems. This was successfully completed last October, allowing the bridge to reopen to all traffic over the winter. This emergency work pushed back activities originally due to start more than two years ago, including bridge painting and the installation of new lighting systems. Re-categorised as phase 2 works, when they finally got underway it was hoped to complete the project by spring 2026. It’s feared the latest setback will delay completion still further. It’s left SBE’s scaffolding systems lying idle at Port Penrhyn, Bangor . Visitors report three or four sections have been there “since May, possibly earlier”. Together they form the company’s new AeroTruss system, which will be used for the first time on the suspension bridge. This modular moving access system will enable the underdeck to be repainted more easily than traditional methods. Developed over a three-year period, AeroTruss gives access to the underdeck while minimising load effects on the bridge itself. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now However the newly identified problems mean the system cannot yet be used. A spokesperson for UK Highways A55 Ltd, which manages the bridge as part of a wider PFI contract, said: “Due to the bolts issue, the installation of additional load on the bridge in the form of AeroTruss has not been possible. “The transportation of AeroTruss has not played a role in this (delay) and is not dependent on a vessel from Japan or China (as has been speculated online). “The installation of the AeroTruss system will be carried out from a barge. However the process requires specific tidal and weather conditions.” Also in the phase 2 schedule are load-checks on the bridge’s land saddles, which anchor the cables to the ground on the Anglesey side. Other work includes repairing 15 of the bridge’s corbels – these are concrete beams that support the footway on the approach spans. During phase 1, SBE repaired 45 of the 60 corbels using rope teams but the remaining 15 require intrusive works on site. Additional bridge strengthening has taken place in the past three weeks and this has allowed the crossing to reopen to heavier vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. The Welsh Government has promised Phase 2 updates in the coming days. In the Senedd this week, Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth told Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for economy, energy and planning, he had lost faith in the process. The Plaid leader said: “To tell you the truth, I don’t believe a word I am told at the regular briefings anymore. Time and time again, the timetable slips, and it slips badly. “The original timescale was to finish everything by August this year. That became December, then spring 2026, missing the bridge’s 200th anniversary (in January), which we were told was an absolute end point. Now (there’s) even more delay. “Is there anything the Cabinet Secretary thinks she can say that can regain people’s trust in when this work is actually going to be done?” Ms Evans stressed the administration was taking the issue seriously to ensure the works are progressed. “Everybody is working as hard as possible to that end,” she added. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
