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Bridge to remain closed as temporary fix too costly

Carmelo GarciaLDRS
Carmelo Garcia A view of the bridge from the ground below: a large black painted steel structure with some rust, and scaffolding can be seen at the top. Stones at the side. In the foreground of the picture is a large red temporary official sign saying Danger For Life.Carmelo Garcia
Replacing the scaffolding to keep the bridge going for another five years would cost £600,000

A council said it is exploring options for restoring a bridge used by around 20,000 pedestrians a year, including installing a new one.

The Black Bridge over the River Wye in the Forest of Dean crosses from Lydbrook in Gloucestershire to Welsh Bicknor in Herefordshire, but has been closed since 2024.

Dozens of villagers have been calling for it to reopen, but Gloucestershire County Council said a temporary fix to install new scaffolding that would last five more years would cost an "eye-watering" £600,000 due to the complex and historic nature of the bridge.

It said this was a poor use of public money, and for safety reasons, it will need to remain closed until further notice.

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The current scaffolding has been in place at the bridge since 2016, but the council said it now needs replacing. However, this would not address the underlying structural issues or extend the bridge's lifespan.

Due to the risk of falling debris, the scaffolding will be removed to protect river users.

The council said it is working with joint owners, Herefordshire Council, to secure funding to find a permanent solution which balances safety, heritage and value for money.

Initial plans would be to keep the current bridge, but a new bridge is an option, which it said could be more sustainable while in keeping with the surrounding area.

Carmelo Garcia A group of people of all ages are gathered together with signs saying things like 'We need our bridge open'. Some people have their dogs with them. They are standing behind a red Footpath Closed sign. They're standing outside with trees behind them. Carmelo Garcia
Villagers are demanding the repair of their bridge

Highways cabinet member for Gloucestershire, Joe Harris, said: "We understand the frustration of the community with the Lydbrook Bridge closure, and we're sorry for the inconvenience this causes.

"Safety must always come first, but we are committed to doing everything we can to secure a lasting future for Lydbrook Bridge and will continue to explore all available funding opportunities to make that happen."

The former Stowfield railway viaduct was originally built in 1875 and formed part of the Ross and Monmouth Railway.

It became a footbridge after the line closed in 1959 and is now a key link on the 136-mile Wye Valley Way.

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