Chartist Bridge
The Chartist Bridge is a bridge crossing the valley of the Sirhowy River in western Monmouthshire. It forms part of the A4048, a road which runs from south of Blackwood up the Sirhowy Valley.
Prior the opening of the bridge, the journey was made by road through the bottom of the valley known locally as the Rhiw.
The bridge forms part of the Sirhowy Enterprise Way regeneration project and opened four months ahead of schedule on 3 December 2005.
The bridge is a cable-stayed bridge 755 ft long supported 100 ft above the valley floor by a 295-ft A-frame pylon. Difficulties with mining-related subsidence during construction and in the foreseeable future led the design team to allow the bridge to 'breathe' if settlement does occur. The bridge and the Sirhowy Enterprise Way are owned and operated by Costain and Laing under a 30-year DBFO (Design, Build, Finance, Operate) agreement.
A statue to honour the Chartist struggle and their march to Newport has been erected on the eastern side of the bridge, while a name plate is situated on the west. The statue itself is an impressive and imposing figure of a chartist striding forward, pike in hand. It is made up of thousands of brass rings and represents strength in unity.
Outside links
- Location map: 51°40’26"N, 3°11’30"W
