A long-term solution is being sought to restore the Black Bridge, a vital link over the River Wye in the Forest of Dean, amid growing frustration from local villagers. This historic footbridge connects Lydbrook in Gloucestershire to Welsh Bicknor in Herefordshire and forms part of the popular 136-mile Wye Valley Way trail, attracting around 20,000 pedestrians annually.
Originally constructed in 1875 as part of the Ross and Monmouth Railway, the viaduct was repurposed as a footbridge after the railway line closed in 1959. It is jointly owned by Gloucestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council and has been supported by temporary scaffolding since 2016 due to structural concerns. However, the scaffolding has now reached the end of its safe working life, leading to the bridge’s closure in 2024 for safety reasons.
Officials have ruled out another temporary scaffolding fix due to the high cost—estimated at £600,000—and the fact it would only provide a short-term solution without addressing underlying structural problems. Gloucestershire County Council is therefore exploring all possibilities, including potentially constructing a new bridge that respects the heritage and natural environment of the area.
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“With safety as our top priority, we are committed to securing a sustainable, long-lasting future for the Lydbrook Bridge,” said Joe Harris, Gloucestershire’s Highways cabinet member. “We understand the community’s frustration and are working closely with partners to find a solution that balances value for money, preservation of this historic structure, and public safety.”
Meanwhile, the existing scaffolding will be removed to eliminate risks of falling debris and to protect river users during the bridge’s closure. Efforts continue to identify funding and develop plans that will ensure this beloved crossing can reopen and serve future generations.