Hull-based bridge works specialist, Spencer Bridge Engineering (SBE), has commenced the second phase of essential maintenance works on the Menai Suspension Bridge.
The SBE team has a long-standing history with the bridge, having first undertaken key works for client UK Highways A55 Ltd and bridge owner Welsh Government in 2020, when they were appointed to replace 73 concrete footway panels on the approach spans of the bridge.
Since then, Spencer Bridge Engineering has carried out two further projects on the bridge: the installation of emergency failsafe’s in January 2023, and the first phase of maintenance and repair works completed in November 2024, during which 168 of the bridge’s 208 hangers were successfully replaced.
The team has now commenced the second phase of essential maintenance works, which is made up of six key packages. The first package of works involves the repair and maintenance of concrete corbels beneath the bridge’s approach spans, where corrosion of the internal steel reinforcement has been identified.
The majority of corbel repairs were completed in 2025 using non-intrusive methods to minimise risk. During Phase 2, 15 corbels require repair, involving the careful removal of concrete to enable the repair or replacement of existing steel reinforcement.
Once these works are complete, the team will move on to the parapet refurbishment, which involves installing access systems to allow sections of the parapet to be removed for off-site repair and repainting before reinstatement.
The project will then progress to the most significant package, the underdeck painting stage of the project, during which Spencer Bridge Engineering will install its new, bespoke modular moving access system, AeroTruss™ for the first time.
The system, which has been designed and developed by their in-house team, will enable safe and efficient under-deck access for all painting and structural repair tasks, supporting the preservation of the historic structure.
Two bearing platforms are set to be installed at the towers of the bridge, alongside two painting platforms that will move along the deck, all due to be installed in March, subject to weather conditions of the Menai Strait.
The introduction of AeroTruss™ on the Menai Suspension Bridge demonstrates how bespoke access innovation can significantly enhance the delivery of complex maintenance works. Designed to reduce installation time, minimise structural loading and provide continuous, controlled access beneath the deck, the system enables works to be carried out more efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards. Its use on a landmark structure of this significance underlines AeroTruss’™ capability as a modern alternative to traditional access methods on complex bridge projects.
Luke Fisher, Bridges Director at Spencer Bridge Engineering said:
“We are excited for the installation of AeroTruss on the Menai Suspension Bridge, which is a significant milestone for us. The system provides a number of innovative features that are of particular benefit to this project.”
“Once installed, the platforms have an integrated encapsulation system that allows the work area to be rapidly sealed to provide an environment suitable for blasting and painting operations, retaining dust and debris within the platform. This is particularly important when working over the Menai Strait.”
(Picture: Spencer Bridge Engineering)
