Bridge linking Wales and England partly reopens - but will shut again if it gets too hot

An "iconic" 210-year-old bridge linking Wales and England has partially reopened, but will have to close again if the weather gets too hot or cold.

Chepstow's Grade I listed Wye Bridge has been closed to vehicles since October after cracks were discovered in its structural beams, with no timeline given for it to reopen for cars.

It also closed to pedestrians in March, with people on both sides of the border - in Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire - expressing their frustration.

It reopened to pedestrians and cyclists ahead of the weekend, although specialist engineers have advised it should close again in "extreme temperatures".

Specifically, if temperatures rise above 30°C or fall below -3°C because of the structure's "sensitivity to temperature changes and load", according to Monmouthshire council.

It comes as a heatwave is predicted to hit Europe this weekend, with temperatures in Chepstow forecast to get to 28°C on Sunday and 29°C Monday.

The local authority said the bridge would be kept under close review, and may also close again if further deterioration of its cast iron girders is identified.

"It's very difficult to repair, but at the same time, it's quite iconic, and a very old, ornate structure that's a huge part of the county's cross-border history," said councillor Peter Strong.

"Having it opened for pedestrians is something we would very much want to achieve, but obviously all issues around safety have to be taken into account."

With the bridge closed, motorists wanting to get between England and Wales are having to take a five-minute detour to use the larger Wye Bridge on the A48 - a crossing that opened in 1988.

But the role the old structure plays locally is more complex - it literally provides a bridge between the mixed, Welsh-English identities of those that live either side.

"In England, there's Tutshill and Sedbury [on the England side of the bridge] - but Sedbury Surgery and Tutshill GP are part of the Welsh NHS," said local councillor Armand Watts.

"They have Welsh Water, run by Wales, an NP16 [Newport, south Wales] postcode. People there feel part of Wales, not all of them, but they appreciate the services and can go to school in Wales."

Before the Severn Bridge opened in 1966, the Old Wye Bridge was the only structure allowing south Walians to cross into England.

It is also the world's oldest five-arch cast iron bridge.

These days it plays an important role for locals, who work, shop and attend schools on either side of the bridge.

Being part of the Welsh or English education systems is just part of the picture, as Watts adds: "There were different rules during Covid [on the Wales and England sides].

"You look at Belgium, France, cross-border towns, there are always strange anomalies. Chepstow is full of them."

He hopes the bridge will be able to open for cars once again.

But, if not to all, Watts thinks weight regulations or restrictions could allow locals to use it while restricting larger vehicles like HGVs.

"There's a lot of frustration [around the closure] from the community, even the tourists that go to Chepstow Castle," he said.

"They see the beautiful bridge, that links England and Wales, and walk half way to take a selfie with the castle behind."

But some residents, including Amy Ryan, are in favour of the Old Wye Bridge remaining shut to vehicles.

She described it now being "beautifully quiet in the mornings and evenings", adding: "I personally am delighted the bridge remains closed.

"The bridge being used aggressively during rush hour massively impacts residents here with noise and pollution.

"Also weight limits are ignored and heavy goods vehicles were constantly using the bridge and coming past my property which is 159 years old and would literally shake."

The bridge spans 34 metres (112ft) across the Wye.

It was built by John Urpeth Rastrick in 1816, costing about £17,850 to construct - which is approximately £2.2m today.

Its closure has caused problems for people both sides of the border.

A business owner in Gloucestershire has now moved despite her "stunning" location at the end of the bridge, while chairman of Tidenham Parish Council Clive Russell described it as "an extraordinarily big issue".

Work began on Tuesday to allow pedestrians to use the pavement and a one metre section of the carriageway between Chepstow and Tutshill is now open.

This decision follows a report from specialist engineers which confirmed that, with ongoing digital monitoring, the bridge could be reopened for walkers, while further structural checks are carried out.

A Category III check - the highest level of structural safety assessment - will now determine if the structure is safe and fit to be fully reopened.

It will also assess metal fatigue at critical points on the bridge

"We're pleased to be able to safely reopen the Old Wye Bridge to pedestrians, restoring an important local link for our communities," said Monmouthshire council's cabinet member for climate change and the environment, Catrin Maby.

"This decision has been guided by specialist engineering advice and supported by ongoing monitoring to ensure public safety remains our top priority.

"We recognise how valued this crossing is for residents and visitors, and while further detailed checks continue, we will keep the bridge under close review and take any necessary action to protect those using it."