Historic Wye Bridge Between Wales and England Closed Due to Structural Damage
The Old Wye Bridge, a historic crossing connecting Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales, and Tutshill in Gloucestershire, England, has been closed to all vehicular traffic. Engineers discovered a crack in a structural beam, leading to the immediate closure of this vital link.
Structural Damage Forces Closure
The closure, implemented by Monmouthshire Council on Wednesday following a recommendation from consulting bridge engineers, comes after a routine monitoring inspection revealed the damage. The crack was found in a structural beam located on one of the bridge's pillars. The bridge will remain closed until further notice.
A Historic Landmark
The Grade I listed structure is recognized as the world's oldest five-arch cast iron bridge. Before the opening of the Severn Bridge in 1966, the Wye Bridge served as the primary road connection between South Wales and the West Country. Built in 1816 by John Urpeth Rastrick, the bridge initially cost approximately £17,850, equivalent to around £2.2 million today.
Impact on Traffic and Community
The closure is expected to cause significant congestion in and around Chepstow. Monmouthshire Council advises drivers to seek alternative routes. Cyclists and walkers are still permitted to use the bridge. Chepstow Town Council acknowledged the disruption, stating, "We know how important the Old Wye Bridge is as a vital link across the River Wye. We completely understand the frustration this situation is causing our community."
Details of the Damage and Next Steps
The structural damage is specifically located in pillar two of the Old Wye Bridge, closest to the Chepstow side. According to Monmouthshire Council, the bridge carried the main A48 Newport to Gloucester road until 1988, when a new road bridge was opened at Chepstow. Spanning 34 metres (112ft) across the Wye, the council is currently consulting with engineers to determine the necessary repairs and timeline for reopening the bridge to vehicular traffic.
| Bridge Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Old Wye Bridge |
| Location | Chepstow (Monmouthshire, Wales) to Tutshill (Gloucestershire, England) |
| Construction Date | 1816 |
| Architect | John Urpeth Rastrick |
| Current Status | Closed to vehicular traffic |
| Cause of Closure | Crack in structural beam |
