Lydbrook Bridge

Built in 1875 Lydbrook Rail Bridge (known locally as Stowfield Viaduct or the Black Bridge) is a former railway structure which spans the River Wye. The rail line was closed in 1964, and the bridge deck was refurbished to form a walkway. It is an important connection across the River Wye between Gloucestershire and Herefordshire and is used by over 20,000 walkers every year as part of the 136-mile Wye Valley Walk.

The structure is jointly owned by Herefordshire Council (HC) and Gloucestershire County Council; however, Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) is the lead authority for this bridge.

The two councils jointly commissioned a feasibility report, which detailed the proposed options for ensuring the bridge remains safe and securing the necessary funding to restore it.

It was closed in 2016 following an inspection which confirmed sections of the bridge were in very poor condition and unsafe. The report also recommended that extensive repairs were needed before it could be reopened. The council however, provided an alternate scaffolding crossing to reinstate the pedestrian access and enable access to the Wye valley walkway.

A bid was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) at the end of February 2018, in July 2018 we were notified that, unfortunately, a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant application for money to help re-open Lydbrook Bridge was unsuccessful.

After the scaffolding walkway was established in 2016, the pedestrian route was restored and utilised by the public. However, an inspection by GCC in 2024 found the 2016 scaffolding walkway to be in need of replacement if it was to remain a viable alternative for pedestrian use.

Although, due to the complex ecological nature of the surrounding areas and the need to protect those sites within the River Wye (SAC/SSSI/SWS), Wye Valley Woodlands (SAC) and Park Wood (SSSI/SWS) there have been delays in implementing a works programme at present.

(SAC – Special areas of conservation, SSSI - Site of special scientific interest, SWS – Special wildlife site)

Due to these challenges we ask for patience whilst, Gloucestershire County and its partners look to create a solution that will actively seek to implement the long term improvements to the bridge without causing damage to the habitats, river, woodlands or surrounding nature.