For most of its journey through South Wales, it runs almost parallel to the M4 motorway. The Old Wye Bridge or Town Bridge at Chepstow, also known historically as Chepstow Bridge, crosses the River Wye between Monmouthshire in Wales and Gloucestershire in England, close to Chepstow Castle. Chepstow Bridge with its 5 arches rising to the centre of the river is the most graceful of all the Georgian-Regency iron arch road bridges, and the largest remaining from that time anywhere in the world. They took a bold decision to have the new bridge built in iron instead of wood or stone. Today the A48 bridge shows what concrete (albeit with iron and steel inside it) can do with a single span across the River Wye. More recently the Civic Society has included the Severn Bridge in their listing of 6 buildings of particular architectural merit. 3. Brunel used pioneering techniques in bridge construction and in sinking caissons for the bridge piers. They invited also John Rennie, one of the greatest bridge engineers of the time who designed three of Londons’ new bridges of the 19th century (Waterloo, Southwark, and London) to report on the repairs required to the bridge. This website uses cookies to improve your experience Accept. The A48 itself heads west parallel to the M48 and M4 motorways as a non-primary route towards Newport. News Old Wye Bridge: ... “But it is clear the A48 is already under too much pressure. Prior to this all the road traffic from Gloucestershire had to pass through Chepstow and over the cast iron bridge. Prior to this all the road traffic from Gloucestershire had to pass through Chepstow and over the cast iron bridge. Chepstow has been saved as your Local News location Close + 5 miles + 10 miles + 20 miles + 30 miles. The Severn Bridge The first designs for a bridge over the river Severn were submitted as early as 1845 but no attempt was made to build. 2. Magistrates agreed the new design, presumably delighted to have a bridge which did not require an obtrusive central pier and instead had a large central arch for ease of river navigation, and for a price similar to the cheaper of the Rennie designs - so neither of the Rennie designs was ever used. The latest bridge to cross the Wye was the Road Bridge opened in 1988 to take the inner relief road, the A48, across the river. For details of Severn Bridge Closures visit the Severn River Crossing website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Both designs included retaining the central stone pier of the wooden bridge which was not helpful for river navigation. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Solicitor. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. By the 1960’s the Beachley – Aust ferry was being swamped. The A48 is a major trunk road in Great Britain. Chepstow Bridge (1816), also known locally as the Old Wye Bridge is now the world’s largest iron arch road bridge from the first 50 years of iron construction in world history (1780 to 1830) - the bridge is Grade 1 Listed. Passengers were taken between the stations by coach until the bridge was opened in July 1852. The highest daily usage was on 26th May 1989 when 76,182 vehicles crossed it. The contract for the current bridge was let to Rastrick on 4th June 1814 at an estimated cost of £17,150 – a figure that eventually rose to nearly £20,000. Before the Severn Bridge opened on 8 September 1966, it was the principal route between South Wales and South West England. The bridge has been repaired and refurbished at various times, most recently in the 1980s, and essential works and repainting in 2015. Severn Bridge (1966) is one of the most graceful suspension bridges in the world as it was the first to use a narrow aerodynamic road deck - the bridge is Grade 1 Listed. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The procession. Nearest town: 19.82 miles from Chepstow. Chepstow Bridge is 200 years old on 24 July 2016. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. John Urpeth Rastrick did not follow Rennie’s ‘repair’ plan but completely redesigned Chepstow Bridge in March 1814 to a design of his own in a ‘Telford style’ rather than a ‘Rennie style’. Chepstow Bridge piers had to be very strong to resist strong currents and a direction of flow that changes 4 times a day and a change in water level which can rise up to 13.5 metres (44 feet) in just 4 hours and fall by the same amount in 8 hours twice every day. It is a Grade I listed building The A48 passes a garden centre that only opened a few years ago but which has become very popular in the area, and the Saint Pierre golf club, before meeting the B4245 at a roundabout that was built to replace a T-junction in the 1990s. “ The bridge is a key school route for children attending Wye Dean School and the speed limit should reflect this. Wooden bridges spanned the river up until 1815-1816 when the present iron bridge was built. Rastrick built the London to Brighton Railway including the 37 arch Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe, Sussex which is a Grade II Listed Structure and impressive - but not as significant world-wide as his Grade I Listed Chepstow Bridge. But although the overnight closures between 7pm and 7am will be lifted for the weekend, the work has not finished. Status: Currently Active. Get the latest updates regarding the severn bridge M48 open and closed status. 1. CLEARED @ 14:51 3 times the first year volume! The bridge, that is still in use today, was opened on 24th July 1816 with an elaborate Form of Ceremony: “Company to assemble in the Square at One O’clock. Chepstow Bridge - Old Wye Bridge  The Normans built a wooden bridge next to the Chepstow Castle. The magistrates of Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire who were responsible for the bridge in the days before the County Councils were formed, inspected the old wooden bridge in 1810 and decided that it was “in decay” and asked for estimates to patch it up. Until the bridge was opened by the Queen on 8th September 1966, the only way to travel from the West of England to South Wales by road involved a 50 mile detour around Gloucester or face a lengthy wait to board a ferry. Enviroute provides the fastest 1 click bridge status for the M48 and M4 severn bridge crossings with this custom app. © Chepstow Town Council 2021 - Last modified: Jan 17 2016 6:53PM, For further details and sources see the Town Council's information leaflet ", For details of Severn Bridge Closures visit the, Chepstow Bridge - a piece of world heritage, Chepstow Bridge - Notes, Sources and information. The Chepstow Railway Bridge, slightly downstream, was built to an innovative and functional design by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1852. The estimated cost of Rennie’s new bridge was considered to be too high and no action was taken until after an accident resulting in further damage to the bridge and the tragic loss of six lives. In the first full year of operation 6 million vehicles used it. Reason: Planned Roadworks. Period: expect disruption until 15:00 on 3 Mar 2021. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The largest of the three ferries carried just 17 vehicles! Road: Date: 2007: Photographer: Stevea30: Source: Coppermine Railway passengers were able to avoid the long detour via Gloucestershire since the Great Western Railway opened their Severn Tunnel in 1886 and for a time the Severn Tunnel was used to transport cars, which were loaded onto flat wagons, between Severn Tunnel Junction and Pilning. Brunel’s original pillars still support the bridge but Brunel’s rail deck structure was replaced in 1962; 3. The age of the railway made a second bridge across the Wye necessary and the tubular suspension bridge that took the Cardiff to Gloucester railway line across the river was designed by one of Britain’s most famous engineers – Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The latest bridge to cross the Wye was the Road Bridge opened in 1988 to take the inner relief road, the A48, across the river. You have no advanced search rows. A pair of Clours. Magistrates walking abreast Seniors in the centre. The task of building the Severn Bridge to a modern design was given to the Associated Bridge Builders consortium, which had previously built the Forth Bridge in Scotland. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Site Description Chepstow Bridge was a timber structure (nprn 24213), spanning the River Wye, that was replaced in 1816 with a new bridge designed by John Rennie.The bridge was made at Bridgnorth Foundry by J. Hazledine. Share: “ Chepstow A48, United Kingdom Air Quality is Unhealthy - on Wednesday, Mar 3rd 2021, 20:00 pm ” Air Quality Data provided by the Air Quality in Wales ( airquality.gov.wales ) Note that the measurement for and O 3 (ozone) are taken from the station UK:Wales/Newport M4 Junction 25 and the measurement for and SO 2 (sulfur dioxide) are taken from the station Newport St Julians Comp School A single span bridge across such a river would have been ideal but in 1810 this was not technically feasible and piers had to be built in the river. Located between Chepstow and Caldicot being 5miles and 3 miles respectively it is well placed to take advantage of the amenities, schools and shops in the local centres. The only higher tides in the world, in NE Canada, are not crossed by bridges. Menu. 'Severe congestion' fear over plan to limit traffic on historic Chepstow bridge. Prior to the opening of the Second Severn Crossing an average of 50,000 vehicles a day used it. An extensive search of the area has been carried out but so far proved unsuccessful. John Urpeth Rastrick did not build any more iron bridges after Chepstow but went back to building steam engines rather than bridges and he became one of the key players in the genesis of the world’s railways. In 1811 Rennie drew up a ‘repair’ design of 7 iron arches to replace the wooden arches of the old bridge, similar to Watkin George’s design, which would cost £15,191. When Chepstow Bridge opened on 24 July 1816 it was the third largest iron arch bridge in the world (and the largest had only been completed 2 months earlier) so it was a pioneering bridge in its day. These cookies do not store any personal information. The iron columns of the bridge piers, which is an important part of the bridge’s heritage, are still in place and still carry the railway. Chepstow Railway Bridge (1852) was built by Brunel over the River Wye with pioneering design and construction techniques. The magistrates of Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire needed a sturdy bridge with iron arches on stone piers and invited Watkin George who had been the iron master of what was then the world’s largest iron works, Cyfarthfa at Merthyr, to prepare a design for a new iron bridge. Ironically, within just 5 years of Chepstow Bridge being built, a single span over such a distance was possible (Union Bridge - Brown’s iron chain suspension bridge near Berwick on Tweed in 1820) such was the dramatic speed of technological progress in the decade in which Chepstow Bridge was built. When the bridge opened, its span was the seventh largest in the world. Add one by clicking the '+ Add Row' button. WYE VALLEY GREENWAY: BISHTON LANE TO WYEDEAN SCHOOL | NOVEMBER 2019 • PAGE 5 - Binding Margin - 3 Detailed Plans and Proposals The following pages set out the arrangements and details of the … It runs from the A40 at Highnam, 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Gloucester, to the A40 at Carmarthen. The main A48 at Westbury upon Severn. It should be straightforward to lower the limit, and would be widely welcomed by residents in Chepstow. From here, the B … “Town Councillors have pointed out that the A48 bridge at Chepstow is the narrowest point on the A48 between Gloucester and Cardiff and that it simply isn’t safe to allow vehicles to approach and pass each other at closing speeds of 80mph to 100mph on such a narrow unprotected bridge, let alone have pedestrians within a metre of them. Highways England has said the closure will be in place from Junction 1 Aust to Junction 2 Chepstow. Rennie recommended, however, that rather than ‘repair’ Chepstow’s wooden bridge it should be replaced altogether with an entirely new bridge with a cast iron arch that would have been the world largest span at the time, had it been built, but it would cost of £41,890. A48 Location plan View of Bridge N 0 metres 500. Most of Brunel's structures have since been replaced. Although there had been earlier wooden bridges on … Check the current conditions on the A48 with all the latest CCTV traffic camera images in your very own Virtual Control Centre. Among many achievements he chaired the judging panel for the Rainhill Trials in 1829 (which was won by Stephenson’s ‘Rocket’) which was critical in the development of railways and he built the first steam engine to run on rails in the USA - the ‘Stourbridge Lion’. A48 - Chepstow Bridge. Download this stock image: The Old Wye Bridge, in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, carrying the A48 across the Wye joining the English county of Gloucestershire - FY3XRD from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. In 2016, Hardwick Hill on the A48 into Chepstow exceeded air pollution limits set by the World Health Organisation, and were higher than those in the city of Newport. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It carried the main A48 road between Newport and Gloucester until 1988, when a new road bridge was opened downstream alongside Chepstow Railway Bridge. Gentlemen, Farmers, Tradesmen, and others who may choose to join the Procession walking two by two.”. “Parents and pupils should not have to wait until there’s a serious accident. For details on how to change your computer setting click here. The larger iron arch road bridges of that time have all been demolished in the last 200 years making Chepstow Bridge a piece of world heritage. The road bridge now carries local traffic between Chepstow and Tutshill. The bridge was also unique for having to face higher tides than any other bridge in the world and this remained the case until the Severn Bridge was built 150 years later. Investigate what can be done to improve cycling and walking routes between Sedbury and Chepstow. The five-arch cast iron bridge has spans at; 9.1m (30ft) , 21.3m (70ft), 34m (112ft), 21.3m (70ft), 9.14m (30ft), with a carriageway 4.3m (14ft) wide with 0.9m (3ft) footways. Air quality in Chepstow is generally very good, but elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide occur along a limited stretch of the A48 on Hardwick Hill. The bridge was made of cast iron, the total length being 113 metres (372 feet) with the span of the centre arch being 34 metres (112 feet). Brunel’s tubular suspension bridge was and unusual design and the forerunner of his famous bridge between Plymouth (Devon) and Saltash (Cornwall). It carried the main A48 road between Newport and Gloucester until 1988, when a new road bridge was opened downstream alongside the railway bridge. The bridge crosses a river with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. a48 tutshill sedbury severn bridge m48 chepstow b4228 severn bridge air quality management area (aqma) to lydney a48 newhouse roundabout n railway line railway station key: ‘a’ road ‘b’ road to newport & cardiff to bristol to monmouth motorway The elaborate superstructure of the rail deck and above, however, was dismantled and replaced by the present span in 1962. The importance of the Severn Bridge has been officially recognised with its listing as a “Grade 1 Listed Building” – the highest classification possible. Bridge Information. The railway bridge runs alongside the A48 road bridge opened in 1988. For 175 years the cast iron bridge carried the main road, the A48, from Gloucester to Newport as well as all ferry traffic from England via Beachley across the Wye and into South Wales until the Severn Bridge was built. Increase your radius to see more recent local stories. The bridge crosses a river with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. Download this stock image: Old A48 road bridge over River Wye Chepstow Wales December 2004 - AXXE00 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. For details on how to change your computer setting click here. With a name like Pwllmeyric, the first village after Chepstow leaves the driver in no doubt about the fact that they have crossed the border into Wales. The Inrix traffic information platform is saying: “M48 Severn Bridge Westbound closed, queueing traffic due to investigation work between J1 A403 (Aust) and J2 A466 Wye Valley Link Road (Chepstow). The road bridge now carries local traffic between Chepstow and Tutshill. By cutting the speed limit, this will also help reduce congestion in Chepstow, cut road noise for residents, make the path across the A48 bridge feel safer for people walking across it and improve air quality. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It … Work on the 90,000 ton anchorages and foundations began in 1961. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The first mention of the bridge is in 1228. The westbound carriageway of the M48 Severn Bridge will be closed this weekend. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Live M48 traffic conditions for motorists to plan their journey avoiding congested routes, accidents and roadworks on the motorway. Today iron and steel is everywhere, but iron as a building material was very new at the time and very rare. In December 1813 an advert for a contractor to build Rennie’s ‘repair’ design appeared, and the contract was won in February 1814 by the Bridgnorth Foundry of Hazeldine, Rastrick and Brodie of which John Urpeth Rastrick was the Managing Partner. Only a few major iron arch road bridges had been built anywhere in the world at that time. A48 Bridge at Chepstow. Bridge Reference: 157 71 Area: Wales East Route: Wales Line Reference (ELR): SWM2 Line Distance: 157miles 1562 yards Type: Underline Bridge Description: Chepstow Road - A48 Under Primary Construction Material: RBE - Steel Operational Status: Functionary Owner: Network Rail … Chepstow Museum, in Gwy House, built 1796. Band of Music. Originally uploaded to Coppermine on May 13, 2007 by SteveA30: Location: This picture currently has no coords, edit this page to add them. A48 trunk road (between Highbeech Roundabout and Wye bridge, Chepstow, Monmouthshire) (temporary traffic prohibitions and 10mph speed limit) Order 2020, file … The line from the present station, (then called Chepstow West), to Swansea was opened on 18th June 1850 and the line linking Chepstow East station at Tidenham and Gloucester came into use on 19th September 1851. For further details and sources see the Town Council's information leaflet "Chepstow Bridge - a piece of world heritage" by John Burrows(2015) and "Chepstow Bridge - Notes, Sources and information" (2015) which accompanies it.Chepstow Railway Bridge by Brunel. The A48 Trunk Road (Between Highbeech Roundabout and Wye Bridge, Chepstow, Monmouthshire) (Temporary Traffic Prohibitions and 10 mph Speed Limit) Order 2020 You … Location: The A40 westbound between the A48 and the junction with the A4136 . He also admitted assault by beating on the same date. Bridging the River Severn The idea of a bridge across the River Severn had been a dream for 1,900 years but it took modern techniques to overcome the problems. Emergency services were called to the bridge on the A48, between Sedbury and Chepstow, in the early hours. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For those commuting the A48 provides access to the M4 with the Severn Bridge just 6 miles … After the bridge is a very narrow one way system through the town. The defendant pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on the A48 in Chepstow on May 28, 2020. The bridge was completed in five years and four months and the complex, including the crossing of the Wye and motorway links cost a total of £16 million in contrast to the £238 million for the second crossing built a couple of miles down-stream which opened in 1996.