Inglis Bridge set to reopen shortly as final works continue

Monmouthshire County Council and Monmouth Town Council has welcomed the significant progress made on Inglis Bridge in Monmouth, with the bridge expected to reopen to pedestrians at the end July, following the completion of major refurbishment works.

**Ribbon-cutting ceremony (left to right):** Catherine Jones, Head of Osbaston Primary School, with two pupils, Catherine Fookes MP for Monmouthshire, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Cllr Rob Barrell, Mayor of Monmouth, Lt Col. Steve Little, Royal Monmouth Royal Engineers Monmouthshire (Militia), Cllr Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism for Monmouthshire County Council.

The reopening at the end of July, will mark an important milestone for the Monmouth community, restoring a valued pedestrian link that has been closed since September 2024 after safety concerns were identified. The bridge is an important route for residents, schoolchildren and visitors, connecting communities across the River Monnow.

While the bridge is nearing completion, some final work remains on site. This includes the removal of the contractor work compound and completing associated site clearance activities. To ensure the safety of the public and workforce, the bridge will need to be closed temporarily while these final tasks are carried out.

To celebrate the work coming to an end, an event was held at the site, that included pupils and staff from Osbaston Primary School. They were joined at the event by the local Member of Parliament, Catherine Fookes MP, and the Mayor of Monmouth, Cllr Rob Barrell, Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesy, Cllr Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism, and Ministry of Defence contractors whose work has helped make the bridge crossing open once again.

Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said: “We know how important Inglis Bridge is to the people of Monmouth and understand how much residents have missed this vital link. We are delighted that the bridge is now close to be reopened and would like to thank the Ministry of Defence, the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales, contractors and all partners who have worked together to reach this point.

“We also thank residents for their continued patience and understanding as the final elements of the project are completed.”

Above: Monmouth Town Councillors and County Councillors gather with Monmouth Mayor Cllr Rob Barrell, Catherine Fookes MP, Monmouthshire County Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, and Cabinet Members Cllr Ian Chandler, Cllr Catrin Maby, Cllr Angela Sandles and Cllr Sara Burch, with Lt Col Steve Little of the Royal Monmouth Royal Engineers Monmouthshire (Militia).

Cllr Rob Barrell, Mayor of Monmouth said: “Monmouth Town Council is delighted to see the refurbishment of Inglis Bridge coming to an end. As the only remaining bridge of its kind still in public use, it is both a unique part of Monmouth’s heritage and a vital link for residents, schoolchildren and walkers. I would like to thank the MOD for providing the funding that made this project possible. I was also impressed by the care taken to protect the River Monnow during the works, with the bridge removed to a nearby location for refurbishment to avoid any risk of contamination.”

Owned by the Ministry of Defence, Inglis Bridge is a unique and historic structure that has long served as an important pedestrian crossing for the local community. Monmouthshire County Council has worked closely with the Ministry of Defence, the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales and other stakeholders throughout the project to support progress towards reopening the bridge safely.