Massive array designed for suspension bridge lies unused on dock for months

AN innovative gantry system developed especially for the Menai Suspension Bridge has been sitting unused on a nearby dock for several months.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

Local people claim AeroTruss scaffolding sections have been sitting unused at Port Penrhyn since spring. (Richard Roberts Art)

(Richard Roberts Art)

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 on Friday. 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.