A PLANNING application for a single span, single arch pedestrian bridge over the River Wye has been submitted to Monmouthshire County Council.

The new crossing, which will run parallel to the Grade-II listed Wye Bridge and link with Old Dixton Road to Monmouth Leisure Centre, aims to provide a safe and easy active travel route.

The idea was hatched back in 2018 when a working group was set up by Monmouth Town Council to assess the need of ‘a Bridge For People Over The River Wye’.

Four years ago, Councillor Jane Lucas told the town council it had become “increasingly difficult” to negotiate the Wye Bridge, whether as a pedestrian or a cyclist.

The existing Wye bridge is a convenient shortcut for lorries coming to and from the Forest of Dean and there have been long-standing concerns about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

The present active travel route from Wyesham into Monmouth town centre is via the Wye Bridge, utilising the footpath located next to the carriageway and then through the subway under the A40.

The Design and Access Statement prepared by GL Hearn on behalf of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) claims this route is heavily utilised with an estimated 1,424 pedestrians and 130 cyclist journeys per day and the vehicle movements result in conflict between the user groups making it an unsafe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

But they acknowledge the plan does have a number of obstacles to overcome regarding site ecology, the area is identified by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as having a high risk of fluvial flooding and a number of landowners are involved in the access points to the bridge.

This has included a meeting with the board of Monmouth School for Boys to approve in principle the use of the land for the Active Travel Bridge although it was pointed out that the new bridge would be of particular benefit to the school - which would be co-ed by then - giving them safe access to their sports facilities.

Ian Fisher Project Team Manager for MCC told Welsh Water that after extensive flood modelling, it was agreed with NRW that the bridge structure did not impact flooding in the vicinity of the pumping station during the 1 in 100 and 1 in 100 (with climate change) flood events. It did however predict a minor increase in flood depths at certain locations during the 1 in 1000 flood event.

He concluded that the proposed bridge has a negligible impact on flood risk.

If plans are accepted, this will be the first new bridge over Wye in Monmouth since the Duke of Beaufort iron railway bridge 500 yards downstream. The current project plan would see construction in 2025/26

The bridge and approach ramps will be surfaced with a grey anti-skid surfacing to ensure users safety. Lighting will be included within the bridge, access ramps and along the Wye Valley walk in order to improve safety for its users. A mix of benches, seats, some with arm rests will be provided to cater for all users. During the consultation process it was made clear that there was a need to maintain areas for setting out of kayaks on both the western and eastern embankments near the rowing and boating clubs. User groups also expressed a desire for viewing areas to be included during boating events. A dedicated area for setting out for Kayaks and an improved viewing area with seating has been provided at the launch point on the western embankment.