Bigsweir Bridge

Bigsweir Bridge is a cast iron arch bridge that carries traffic across the River Wye, linking Gloucestershire in England to Monmouthshire in Wales. The structure features the heavy iron framework typical of early 19th-century engineering, with a single traffic lane that requires careful coordination for vehicles passing in opposite directions.

The bridge was built in 1827 as part of a turnpike road system linking Chepstow and Monmouth, with its cast iron components sourced from the ironworks at Merthyr Tydfil. It represents an important example of early industrial engineering applied to bridge construction across major river crossings.

The crossing point marks the boundary between England and Wales, with separate Grade II* heritage listings for each side of the structure.

Traffic lights manage the single-track passage, controlling which direction vehicles can travel at any given time to prevent collisions on the narrow roadway. Drivers should approach carefully and watch for the signal changes, and be prepared for occasional delays during peak crossing times.

The bridge stands at the tidal limit of the River Wye, marking where navigation rights transfer to the Gloucester Harbour Trustees rather than continuing upstream. This location makes it a transition point between riverine environments, with the influence of sea tides stopping at this precise crossing.

Location: Trellech United

Location: St Briavels

Elevation above the sea: 7.7 m

GPS coordinates: 51.74270,-2.66952

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04