Monmouthshire County Council, Gloucestershire County Council and The Forest of Dean District Council have issued an update on the condition of the Old Wye Bridge following recent inspections by specialist structural engineers.

The 210‑year‑old cast‑iron bridge has been under enhanced monitoring for some time. During routine inspections in October 2025, engineers identified cracks that led to the closure of the bridge to all vehicular traffic. A subsequent inspection in March 2026 identified additional new cracks in key structural areas, including the vertical structural members at Pier 2 and Pier 4.

Following this further deterioration, and acting on specialist engineering advice, the Monmouthshire County Council took the decision to fully close the bridge to all users, including pedestrians and cyclists, on 27 March 2026, to ensure public safety.

Engineers have confirmed that while there is no evidence of an imminent collapse, the structure is overstressed, and there is a credible risk of a localised failure in the section of deck supported by Pier 2. Further detailed assessments are required to understand the full extent of the issue, alongside the installation of real‑time monitoring equipment.

Initial indications suggest that the recent deterioration is linked to thermal effects during cold weather, compounded by long‑term fatigue from historic traffic loading.

All councils are now working closely with specialist engineers on a programme of detailed assessment. This includes additional structural calculations, further investigation of the bridge deck, and the installation of real‑time monitoring systems.

The councils remain committed to reopening the Old Wye Bridge but emphasise that this will only take place when it is confirmed safe to do so, based on clear technical evidence and professional advice.

Alongside this immediate safety work, repair options are being developed to understand what would be required to reopen the bridge for pedestrians, cyclists, and eventually motor vehicles.

The councils recognise the significant impact the closure is having on local communities and are working to identify affected users, engage with them directly, and explore interim transport and mobility support options while long‑term plans are prepared.

A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: “Public safety is the top priority for all councils. We recognise that the closure creates various challenges for residents, and we will collaborate with Chepstow Town Council and Tidenham Parish Council to explore all possible solutions to minimise the impact.

“We are committed to working closely with specialist engineers to ensure decisions are evidence‑based, transparent and focused on the long‑term future of this important crossing.”

A Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said: “We know how important the Old Wye Bridge is to people’s everyday lives, and we understand how frustrating and disruptive this closure is. The bridge has been closed to keep people safe, and we support that decision.

“We’re working closely with our partner councils and listening to local communities so we can keep people informed and look at what support might help people while the inspections and planning work continue.”

A Forest of Dean District Council spokesperson said: “We recognise that public safety must come first, and we hope both highways teams are able to resolve the issues as quickly as possible for the benefit of our communities.”

A dedicated website with updates and FAQs can be found here: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/old-wye-bridge-chepstow/