Bridge Repair and Maintenance
Safe access. Smart repairs.
From inspections to masonry repairs, we provide safe floating access, platforms, and pontoons for efficient bridge works.
Access and Utilities Services
Our Specialist Bridge Repair and Maintenance Services
Bridge repairs on the water take more than brickwork — they take the right kit, access, and experience. The Rothen Group supports contractors, engineers, and authorities with specialist platforms, floating plant, and skilled teams to carry out bridge inspections, repairs, and recovery works.
We’ve worked on everything from bridge strike repairs to full masonry restoration and repointing. Our fleet of pontoons and grab boats provides safe, stable access beneath or around bridges, supporting scaffold setups, repair teams, and equipment transport. Whether you’re inspecting, repointing, or rebuilding, we make complex jobs simpler.
Our equipment is purpose-built for water access — ideal for canal bridges, historic sites, and restricted locations. We tailor each setup to the project and provide experienced helmsmen to assist with positioning and operations throughout.
Planning a bridge inspection or repair project? Contact The Rothen Group to arrange a site visit and tailored access solution.
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FEATURED CASE STUDY
Habitat Creation Coney Meadows, Droitwich
Coney Meadows is part of a nationwide project to restore the UK’s wetlands. Since the 17th century, large areas of reedbeds have been stripped and converted into agricultural land, massively reducing the number of habitats available for wetland animals.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Changing the Shape of the River Derwent, Derby
Following the storm seasons of 2023 & 2024, the EA set out to review its impact on the UK’s waterways. The River Derwent in Derby was flagged after a sonar scan of its navigation identified a scour hole – a direct result of heavy rainfall pushing sediment downstream.
The UK canal and waterway network has hundreds of bridges – including road, railway, tow bridges, and walking paths. We carry out a wide range of canal and waterway bridge repairs, including bridge strike recovery, masonry restoration, brickwork repointing, and support for structural works.
Whether it’s minor damage or major restoration, we provide floating access and on-site support for efficient, safe repairs. We can perform repairs on any kind of bridge, using support scaffolding and stable working platforms that don’t disturb the local environment.
What types of bridge repairs do you carry out?
Yes — we assist with bridge inspections on canals and rivers, supplying floating scaffolding platforms, pontoons, and safe working access for surveyors and engineers. We also support scaffold setup and offer long-term hire for inspection programmes across the UK.
Do you offer bridge inspection services?
We use floating platforms and pontoons for bridge access in locations where land-based setups aren’t feasible. This allows us to position the scaffold, equipment, and repair crews directly under or alongside the bridge, minimising disruption and avoiding damage to the surrounding environment.
How do you access bridges with no land entry?
Yes. We’ve worked on urgent projects, including bridge strike repairs and structural recovery following impact or collapse. Our grab boats, experienced helmsmen, and mobile scaffold support help teams respond quickly — even in remote or restricted-access locations.
We understand that when a bridge collapses or is at risk of collapse, time is critical. A damaged bridge can prevent traffic and pedestrians, cutting off neighbourhoods from one another. That’s why we prioritise rapid repairs.
Can you support emergency bridge repairs?
We supply scaffold pontoons, grab boats, and floating platforms designed for safe access, lifting, and working at height. These can be configured for brickwork repair under bridges, lifting operations, or as floating tool and welfare stations during longer maintenance jobs.
What equipment do you provide for bridge maintenance?
Yes. We’re proud to support waterway bridge maintenance in heritage and conservation areas. Each historic or protected bridge has a special character and history.
Our team understands the care needed when working with listed structures, using non-invasive methods and materials that respect both the integrity and historical value of the bridge. We’ve worked closely with navigation authorities and conservation bodies across the UK.
Do you work on historic or protected bridges?
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A decade of
The Rothen Group
The Rothen Group is a trusted name in waterway infrastructure, supporting clients across the UK with safe, practical solutions for bridge repairs, inspections, and access. From historic canal bridges to modern structures, we work closely with engineers, contractors, and navigation authorities to deliver high-quality, low-impact works.
Our team combines deep knowledge of inland waterways with specialist equipment — including floating scaffolding platforms, pontoons, and grab boats — to reach and restore even the mostchallenging sites. Whether it’s recovering fallen masonry, repointing brickwork, or supporting complex lift plans, we help make difficult jobs doable.
