A new bridge could be built as a long-term solution to restore a popular path over the River Wye in the Forest of Dean.

Dozens of villagers have been calling for repairs and the reopening of the Black Bridge, which crosses from Lydbrook in Gloucestershire to Welsh Bicknor in Herefordshire.

The bridge forms a key link on the 136-mile Wye Valley Way and, when open, is used by around 20,000 pedestrians a year. The long-distance route follows the River Wye from its source in the Welsh mountains (Plynlimon) to the historic town of Chepstow, passing through Powys, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire. It typically takes 10-12 days, offering scenic riverside paths, wooded gorges, historic ruins like Tintern Abbey, and cider orchards.

Despite its popularity, Gloucestershire County Council chiefs say a temporary fix to install new scaffolding at the former Stowfield railway viaduct for a further five years would cost an “eye-watering” £600,000 due to the complex and historic nature of the bridge.

Instead they say they are exploring all options to secure a sustainable long-term future for the Lydbrook bridge.

The viaduct was originally built in 1875 and formed part of the Ross and Monmouth Railway.

It became a footbridge after the line closed in 1959 and is jointly owned by Gloucestershire County Council and Herefordshire Council.

Temporary scaffolding has been in place at the bridge since 2016 and has been closed and reopened since, with its most recent closure starting in 2024.

The council says the scaffolding has now reached the end of its safe working life and needs replacing.

But doing so would only offer a short-term fix according to Shire Hall chiefs and it would not address the underlying structural issues, nor extend the bridge’s lifespan – making it a poor use of public money.

Gloucestershire County Council chiefs say the bridge will need to remain closed until further notice due to safety reasons.

And the existing scaffolding will be removed to prevent the risk of falling scaffold debris and to protect river users below while the bridge is closed.

However, the council claims to be working hard with partners to secure the funding needed to deliver a permanent solution that balances safety, heritage and value for money.

Initial plans would be to retain the current structure into the future. However, a new bridge is an option that may be considered to provide a more sustainable structure in keeping with the surrounding area.

HIghways cabinet member Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park) said: “We understand the frustration of the community with the Lydbrook Bridge closure and we’re sorry for the inconvenience this causes.

“Working closely with Herefordshire Council, we are determined to find a long-term solution that represents good value for residents while protecting this much-loved historic bridge and its setting.

“Safety must always come first, but we are committed to doing everything we can to secure a lasting future for Lydbrook Bridge and will continue to explore all available funding opportunities to make that happen.”