Newport City Council is investigating whether a modular bridge could be used to restore vehicle access at Bassaleg Bridge.
The option would place a modular bridge structure over the existing bridge, using the existing bridge piers and foundations to help carry vehicles in and out of Forge Mews.
The council’s design consultant for the Bassaleg Bridge project has met a specialist company with expertise in modular bridge solutions to discuss the proposal.
Inspections and tests will be carried out to help determine if the proposal is possible. Specialist divers will first inspect the bridge piers and foundations from the river, assessing conditions below the waterline. That work is due to take place next week, weather dependent.
Their findings will determine if any strengthening works are required. Once any required work has been completed, the bridge will be load tested to evaluate whether installing a modular bridge would be feasible.
“We’re hopeful that this solution, although temporary, will be viable, and help restore vehicle access to Forge Mews again,” said Rhian Howells, cabinet member for infrastructure and assets.
“We understand how important this is to the residents and finding a solution has been a priority for the council.
“We have expressed our disappointment previously at not being given the funding we needed from Welsh government to progress the project to the full build stage. While we continue to work to source the funding required to do this, we’re hopeful we’ll be able to put the modular bridge in place, and reopen the bridge to vehicles once again.”
The council had previously been working on plans to build a replacement bridge. Design work had been completed, but it was unable to secure the required funding to progress to the build stage.
The council said it does not have the resources available to build a new bridge and is looking at the modular bridge solution as a temporary alternative, allowing vehicles to use the bridge again while it seeks funding for a full replacement.
