Leckwith Bridge

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Leckwith old bridge viewed from the new bridge

Leckwith Bridge, can refer to the mediæval Grade II* listed stone bridge over the river Ely at Leckwith, Cardiff, or its 20th-century replacement.

Old bridge

The old Leckwith Bridge dates from at least the early 16th century, referred to in 1536 as being "soundly built of stone".[1] It was probably partially rebuilt in the 17th century and the central arch being rebuilt during the 18th century.[1] The bridge has three arches built of rubblestone. The roadway is approximately nine feet in width, with the addition of pedestrian refuges above pointed cutwaters between each arch.[1]

The bridge was listed as Grade II* in 1952, being an example of "a fine and rare mediæval bridge".[1] The bridge remains in use today for goods vehicles accessing the adjacent builders yards.[2]

New bridge

A new single span reinforced-concrete bridge was built next to the old bridge in 1935,[3] taking the main road between Cardiff and Leckwith village. It was opened on 17 April by the Minister of Transport, Leslie Hore-Belisha.[4] The road continues west on a 500-foot concrete viaduct.[2] By the 2010s the new bridge was in poor condition with weight restrictions imposed on it.[2]

References