Black Bridge closure ‘spoils’ 50th anniversary of Wye Valley Walk. A detour is in place with repairs needed.
This bridge connects the Forest of Dean to Herefordshire, serving as a walking route for the Wye Valley Walk. Over 20,000 walkers use it each year.
This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the walk. People first envisioned it long ago, with the initial section opening in 1975, covering fourteen miles from St Arvans to Monmouth.
The bridge closure necessitates a detour affecting the Kerne Bridge section. Walkers must remain on the Wye’s west side, passing through Symonds Yat West before using a bridge at Biblins to return to the original route.
Councillor Sid Phelps expressed his concern regarding the bridge closure’s impact on locals and tourists. He seeks clarification on when it will reopen, along with a timeline for repairs.
He feels frustrated by the situation, especially considering the previous repairs from 2018 to 2020. He is particularly frustrated that it has closed again.
Councillor Phelps expressed surprise at recent events, questioning why the council did not anticipate this. He notes the apparent lack of awareness or indifference among many, emphasizing the significant detour caused by the path’s closure.
He believes authorities must improve and provide concrete answers regarding the repairs’ timeline. He had previously heard dates ranging from April onward, with the latest being April 2026, which he finds excessively delayed.
Authorities mentioned surveys, specifically wildlife surveys potentially delaying the work due to the need to check for bats. He wants to know precisely when these surveys will occur.
He feels unanswered questions accumulate, and while patience is reasonable, he believes the council is disregarding the community.
Councillor Terry Hale also feels disappointed, believing different boards were necessary, as the installed boards have deteriorated. He suggested using plywood from the start, citing the used boards’ tendency to soak up water as a reason why plywood was optimal.
Gloucestershire County Council stated they are working diligently to fix the bridge and consulting with experts. The council needs approval for repairs and are considering permanent solutions to fix the bridge’s scaffolding.
The council spokesperson acknowledged the work as complex. Their goal is to reopen the bridge safely, collaborating with consultants and Natural England. They hope to install new scaffolding soon and reopen the bridge temporarily.