The iconic 210-year-old Old Wye Bridge, which connects Wales and England, partially reopened to pedestrians on Friday, June 26, 2026, after being closed for several days due to extreme heat. The Grade I-listed cast-iron bridge in Chepstow had been closed to vehicles since October 2025 after cracks were discovered, and fully closed to pedestrians and cyclists in March 2026 following further inspections that revealed new cracks.
Reopening and Immediate Heat Closure
Monmouthshire County Council reopened the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists ahead of schedule on Thursday, June 18, after structural assessments and installation of digital monitoring equipment. However, the council warned that the bridge could close again if further deterioration was detected. Specialist engineers advised that the bridge should shut whenever temperatures exceed 30°C or fall below -3°C, as the historic structure is highly sensitive to temperature changes.
Due to the UK heatwave, with temperatures provisionally hitting 37.1°C in Cavendish, Suffolk, the bridge closed from 11am on Tuesday, June 23. The council announced on Friday, June 26, that the bridge would reopen to pedestrians from 3pm that day, following confirmation from specialist engineers.
Council Statement and Public Safety
In a statement, the council said: "Following confirmation from specialist engineers, the Old Wye Bridge in Chepstow will reopen to pedestrians from 3pm today (26 June 2026). Thank you for your patience." The council added that cyclists must dismount when crossing, and the route must be kept clear. The bridge remains under close review and may close again if further deterioration of the cast-iron girders is identified.
Cllr Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment at Monmouthshire County Council, previously said: "We’re pleased to be able to safely reopen the Old Wye Bridge to pedestrians, restoring an important local link for our communities. This decision has been guided by specialist engineering advice and supported by ongoing monitoring to ensure public safety remains our top priority."
Historical Context and Heatwave Impact
The Old Wye Bridge was made from cast iron in 1816. The UK has been experiencing a major heatwave, with the record for the hottest June day broken for three consecutive days. A rare red weather warning was extended by the Met Office in London and south-east England until 9pm on Friday, June 26.
