Kate Biggs Wye Valley AONB Heritage Officer and Andrew Nixon Wye Valley AONB Development Officer attended Redbrook, during the popular Monmouth Raft Race, to highlight the bridge’s plight by hanging a banner from the bridge during the race and talking to Redbrook residents and visitors.
Redbrook Bridge, also known as Penallt Viaduct was in operation carrying rail passenger trains until 1959 and freight until 1964. Since then it has been an important crossing for walkers between Redbrook in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire and Penallt in Monmouthshire and is now part of the Wye Valley Walk.
Following on from a survey carried out on the bridge last year by Opus International (UK), the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit will be applying for Heritage Lottery funding to undertake work which will enable the bridge to fulfil its potential. The study reports on ways the bridge can be enhanced and provide a safe crossing for multiple users which would include a new deck and further conservation measures.
Community consultation on how the bridge should be preserved is extremely important to any future plans and several consultation events have already been held within the area . Penallt, and Redbrook communities have been really supportive however there is still time to register your feelings about the bridge online. You can also take the survey which can be accessed from the Redbrook Bridge Conservation menu on the Wye Valley AONB website www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
For further any information on the progression of the consultation please contact Kate via email kate@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk or Andrew Nixon development@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
