Partial Reopening of Historic Wye Bridge
The 210-year-old Wye Bridge, an iconic structure linking Wales and England, has partially reopened to pedestrians and cyclists. However, the bridge will close again if temperatures rise above 30°C or fall below -3°C due to its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and structural load concerns.
Chepstow's Grade I listed Wye Bridge has been closed to vehicles since October after cracks were found in its structural beams, with no definite timeline for reopening to cars. Pedestrian access was also suspended in March, causing frustration among residents on both sides of the border in Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.
The bridge reopened to pedestrians and cyclists ahead of the weekend, following advice from specialist engineers who recommended closure during extreme temperatures to protect the structure.
Monmouthshire council explained the temperature thresholds for closure are based on the bridge's sensitivity to temperature changes and load. A heatwave forecast for Europe this weekend predicts temperatures in Chepstow reaching 28°C on Sunday and 29°C on Monday.
The local authority will monitor the bridge closely and may close it again if further deterioration of the cast iron girders is detected.
"It's very difficult to repair, but at the same time, it's quite iconic, and a very old, ornate structure that's a huge part of the county's cross-border history," said councillor Peter Strong.
"Having it opened for pedestrians is something we would very much want to achieve, but obviously all issues around safety have to be taken into account."
With the bridge closed to vehicles, motorists must take a five-minute detour via the larger Wye Bridge on the A48, which opened in 1988.
However, the old bridge holds a more complex role locally, symbolically connecting the mixed Welsh-English identities of residents on either side.
Local councillor Armand Watts explained,
"In England, there's Tutshill and Sedbury [on the England side of the bridge] - but Sedbury Surgery and Tutshill GP are part of the Welsh NHS. They have Welsh Water, run by Wales, an NP16 [Newport, south Wales] postcode. People there feel part of Wales, not all of them, but they appreciate the services and can go to school in Wales."
Before the Severn Bridge opened in 1966, the Old Wye Bridge was the sole crossing allowing south Walians to enter England. It is also the world's oldest five-arch cast iron bridge.
Today, it remains important for locals who work, shop, and attend schools on both sides of the border.
Watts further noted,
"There were different rules during Covid [on the Wales and England sides]. You look at Belgium, France, cross-border towns, there are always strange anomalies. Chepstow is full of them."
He expressed hope that the bridge will reopen to cars, at least partially, possibly with weight restrictions to allow local use while limiting larger vehicles such as HGVs.
"There's a lot of frustration [around the closure] from the community, even the tourists that go to Chepstow Castle," he said.
"They see the beautiful bridge, that links England and Wales, and walk half way to take a selfie with the castle behind."
Some residents, including Amy Ryan, support keeping the Old Wye Bridge closed to vehicles. She described the current quietness as beneficial.
"I personally am delighted the bridge remains closed. The bridge being used aggressively during rush hour massively impacts residents here with noise and pollution. Also weight limits are ignored and heavy goods vehicles were constantly using the bridge and coming past my property which is 159 years old and would literally shake."
The bridge spans 34 metres (112ft) across the River Wye. It was constructed by John Urpeth Rastrick in 1816 at a cost of approximately £17,850, equivalent to about £2.2 million today.
Its closure has caused difficulties for people on both sides of the border. A Gloucestershire business owner has relocated despite a prime location near the bridge, and Clive Russell, chairman of Tidenham Parish Council, described the closure as "an extraordinarily big issue."
Work began on Tuesday to reopen the pavement and a one-metre section of the carriageway between Chepstow and Tutshill for pedestrian use. This decision followed a specialist engineering report confirming that, with ongoing digital monitoring, the bridge could safely reopen for walkers while further structural assessments continue.
A Category III check, the highest level of structural safety assessment, will determine if the bridge is safe for full reopening. This will include evaluation of metal fatigue at critical points.
"We're pleased to be able to safely reopen the Old Wye Bridge to pedestrians, restoring an important local link for our communities," said Monmouthshire council's cabinet member for climate change and the environment, Catrin Maby.
"This decision has been guided by specialist engineering advice and supported by ongoing monitoring to ensure public safety remains our top priority. We recognise how valued this crossing is for residents and visitors, and while further detailed checks continue, we will keep the bridge under close review and take any necessary action to protect those using it."
