PLANS are in place for geotechnical investigations into Wye Bridge and its surrounding areas ahead of proposals to create a third carriageway on the A40 Southbound.

22 exploratory holes, including intrusive boreholes and machine-dug pits, will be made in and around Monmouth’s Grade II listed Wyebridge to assess structural integrity.

These investigative works are stage two of proposals to create a third carriageway on the A40 Southbound.

Proposed by the Welsh Assembly and Monmouthshire County Council, the new 170m carriageway will be used as a dedicated lane for turning left over the Wyebridge. Alongside a proposed improvement to the pedestrian subway, the plans intend to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety at the A40 and A466 Wyebridge junction.

The investigative work will include seven boreholes of 10mm diameter in the North embankment, Southeast retaining wall and road of the bridge. Hand and machine-dug pits will be created on the banks around the Wyebridge to assess the condition of the ground.

Because of the bridge’s medieval origins, two archeologists from the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) will be on site to view the excavations.

A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council said:

“Officers attended a meeting last week at which MCC’s consultants WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff announced that further geotechnical investigations are needed before work on the detailed design can proceed.

“It is hoped that works on the Wye Bridge at Monmouth will start on 22nd August subject to getting the go-ahead.”