Overstressed bridge at risk of failure, engineers warn as closure confirmed

Engineers have warned a historic bridge linking Wales and England is “overstressed” and at risk of localised structural failure, despite there being no evidence of an imminent collapse.

In a joint statement, Monmouthshire County Council, Gloucestershire County Council and Forest of Dean District Council confirmed the Old Wye Bridge has been closed to all users following the discovery of new cracks.

The 210-year-old cast iron bridge, which connects Chepstow with the Forest of Dean, was shut to pedestrians and cyclists on March 27 after further deterioration was identified during inspections.

The crossing had already been closed to vehicles since October 2025, when initial cracking was found in one of its structural supports.

Engineers have since identified additional cracks in key load-bearing elements, including vertical members at two of the bridge’s piers. They have warned there is a credible risk of localised failure in the section of deck supported by Pier 2.

The councils said further detailed assessments are now required to fully understand the extent of the damage, alongside the installation of real-time monitoring equipment.

Initial findings suggest the deterioration may be linked to thermal stress during cold weather, compounded by long-term fatigue from decades of traffic use.

Despite the concerns, officials stressed there is currently no evidence the bridge is at immediate risk of collapse.

In their joint statement, the councils said the decision to fully close the structure was taken on safety grounds.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said: “Public safety is the top priority for all councils.

“We recognise that the closure creates challenges for residents, and we will work with local communities to explore all possible solutions to minimise the impact.

“We are committed to ensuring decisions are evidence-based, transparent and focused on the long-term future of this important crossing.”

Gloucestershire County Council said it understood the disruption caused by the closure.

“We know how important the Old Wye Bridge is to people’s everyday lives, and how frustrating and disruptive this situation is,” a spokesperson said.

“The bridge has been closed to keep people safe, and we support that decision while further work is carried out.”

Further investigations

The Forest of Dean District Council also backed the move, saying safety must come first while efforts continue to resolve the issue.

Engineers are now working on a programme of further investigations and developing potential repair options, including what would be required to reopen the bridge in stages — first to pedestrians and cyclists, and eventually to vehicles.

The Old Wye Bridge, a Grade I-listed structure, has long been a key crossing between Wales and England.

Its closure is expected to have a significant impact on local communities, with concerns it will add to congestion in and around Chepstow, where traffic pressures are already well established.

Councils say they are working to identify those most affected and to explore interim transport and mobility solutions while longer-term plans are developed.

A dedicated website has been set up to provide updates as the situation progresses.