The Chainbridge at Kemeys Commander will be subject to a new weight restriction. The Bridge is almost 120 years old and we have been monitoring its condition for many years to maintain the 44t weight limit.
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.