The Chain Bridge at Kemeys Commander is a historic Grade II listed structure that has served local communities for almost 120 years. Regular inspections have identified the need for significant refurbishment to protect the bridge’s long-term future.
Following inspections, a weight restriction of 7.5T is in place as the council continue to work on plans to refurbish the bridge.
Update 21 August:
Progress continues with work advancing across design development, environmental assessments, approvals, and procurement planning.
Detailed design work is underway, including construction drawings, specifications and technical assessments. Environmental surveys are also being completed to support the planning and consent process.
We’re currently reviewing the draft design pack for the scheme. Specialist steelwork contractors are also carrying out an independent review to help ensure the designs are robust and ready for construction.
The project team continues to work closely with key organisations, including Cadw, Natural Resources Wales and utility providers, to secure the necessary approvals and agreements.
Council officers have recently undertaken a site visit, and an arboricultural survey linked to the landslip repair has been completed. The council is now awaiting the survey report.
Temporary works designers have also been appointed, with designs progressing as planned. This will allow the temporary works information to be included within the main construction tender package.
Over the coming months, the project team will focus on:
- Completing environmental surveys and reports.
- Progressing the Listed Building Consent application with Cadw and the council’s heritage team.
- Finalising detailed design work and landslip repair proposals.
- Reviewing the tree survey for the landslip repair.
- Advancing utility diversion agreements.
- Undertaking additional surveys, including paint and asbestos investigations.
- Completing temporary works designs.
- Progressing land access agreements.
- Continuing procurement activities for the main construction works.
The council remains committed to progressing the project and will continue to provide updates as work advances.
Update 5 August: Progress on the Chainbridge Refurbishment Scheme continues across design development, ecology, utilities coordination, consents and procurement planning.
Detailed design work is ongoing, including the preparation of construction drawings, specifications and technical assessments. Environmental surveys and reports are being completed to support the planning and consent process.
The project team is working closely with key organisations, including CADW, Natural Resource Wales and utility providers, to ensure all the necessary approvals.
The Listed Building Consent application has been submitted for review.
The project team are looking to bring forward temporary works design tasks to include this information in the procurement process. Therefore, further reducing the risk of programme delays.
Over the coming months, the project team will focus on:
- Completing environmental surveys and reports.
- Progressing detailed design and landslip repair proposals.
- Completing tree surveys related to the landslip repair works.
- Progressing utility diversion agreements.
- Undertaking additional surveys, including paint, asbestos and tree assessments.
- Beginning procurement activities for the main construction works.
Progress on the Chainbridge Refurbishment Scheme continues across design development, ecology, utilities coordination, consents and procurement planning.
Detailed design work is ongoing, including the preparation of construction drawings, specifications and technical assessments. Enviormental surveys and reports are being completed to support the planning and consent process.
The project team is working closely with key organisations, including CADW, Natural Resource Wales and utility providers, to ensure all the necessary approvals.
Investigations into the adjacent landslip have progressed, with specialist ground investigations completed and design work underway to develop a long-term repair solution. These works are being integrated into the overall project programme.
Upcoming Milestones
Over the coming months, the project team will focus on:
- Completing environmental surveys and reports.
- Submitting the Listed Building Consent application.
- Progressing detailed design and landslip repair proposals.
- Advancing utility diversion agreements.
- Undertaking additional surveys, including paint, asbestos and tree assessments.
- Beginning procurement activities for the main construction works.
FAQs
Why have you introduced a new weight limit?
Monmouthshire County Council have maintained the 44T rating since monitoring began. This was achieved by introducing traffic lights to reduce the bridge to one loaded lane and by strengthening a number of the hanger rods which connect the bridge deck to the main arch.
The hanger rods are one of the main issues on the bridge, especially where they connect into the bridge deck. The rods are monitored regularly, and intervention levels are outlined, which we must act upon when they are reached.
One of these rods had deteriorated since the previous inspection, which has resulted in the need to impose a 7.5T weight restriction.
When will the weight restriction be lifted?
We have and will continue to carry out inspections and will use the information gathered to reassess the structural integrity of the bridge to see if this imposed weight restriction can be safely improved. This reassessment is underway but Chain Bridge is a complicated structure to analyse and will take time to complete and the results are expected by October this year.
What happens next?
As well as the reassessment we will also actively be looking into the refurbishment options to assess what is required to bring this structure back up to unrestricted status. We won’t know what the scope of these works are until the assessment is complete but it is likely to full refurbishment of hanger rods and beams.
What about access for heavier vehicles?
Alternative routes have been identified and include access through Usk and through Bettws-y-Newydd. The height restriction on B4598 Porthycarne Street disused rail bridge can be raised. By funnelling vehicles down the centre of the bridge, guided by suitable white lining and signing, this can be improved from 11’6” currently to 13’9”. Hedges will be cut back as much as possible and the tree canopy raised to improve height clearances. We will also be widening the road where verges have overgrown the carriageway. Existing passing bays will be improved as much as practicable.
Can’t you just put a new bridge there?
The Chain Bridge is an iconic structure and is Listed. Any works to the Bridge will need to carried out in line with its Listed status.
Can Thornbury Rd be opened ahead of Chainbridge works?
Unfortunately this would not be possible, as repairs to the Chainbridge and the landslip on Thornbury Road should be completed together to ensure the best outcome. Starting clearance work for the landslip earlier may cause further unforeseen damage to the road as the fallen trees and debris will protect the slope during any winter flood events. The works to repair/clear the landslip will be included in the full tender pack for the main contractor to complete. When the tender has been awarded MCC will work with the contractor to expedite the works.
Can works on the Chainbridge be carried out on weekends with the bridge open on weekdays? What are the possible options to avoid closing the B4598 for a considerable amount of time?
We’re working with the designers and ECI contractor to develop a scheme that keeps the road open for as much of the construction period as possible. We anticipate completing the work in phases to enable this, and assessments are currently underway to determine its feasibility.