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Newport: Bassaleg must wait until 2027 for new bridge

BBC The bridge blocked off with signage, gates and concrete blocksBBC
Old Bassaleg Bridge, in Newport, was shut suddenly in August 2021

A bridge deemed unsafe for vehicles is set to be replaced, but could cost as much as £9m, and it will not be opened before 2027.

Old Bassaleg Bridge, in Newport, was shut suddenly in August 2021 due to safety concerns.

Homeowners have said they fear people could die if emergency vehicles were left unable to reach them.

Now the council has abandoned hopes of repairing the structure, which was shut after it suffered "significant" damage.

This left the residents of Forge Mews isolated from the rest of Bassaleg.

The council said the new crossing could cost between £5.6m and £9m may not be completed for more than three years.

While pedestrian access has been restored, people in the community still cannot get to their homes by vehicle.

There have also been reports of problems with emergency service access.

Bridge closure scene
Pedestrians can now get to and from Forge Mews, but there are concerns about emergency vehicle access

At a Newport council meeting on Wednesday, council leader Jane Mudd said the condition of the bridge made plans to fix it impossible.

"This is not an easy or a quick task," she added.

The local authority will now have to pay £40,000 for a Welsh government assessment.

According to current estimates, the earliest Forge Mews will be reconnected to Newport is January 2027, or almost five-and-a-half years after the bridge was closed.