Newport Bridge

One of the oldest bridges crossing the River Usk in Newport.

The first stone bridge on the site was a bridge of five arches, erected in the year 1800 by David Edwards (son of William Edwards). It was widened and improved in 1866 by adding footpaths on both sides.
The new bridge
Foundation plaque, 1927, Newport Bridge, Newport
In 1911 the Town Council sought designs for a new replacement bridge. In December 1923 a decision was made to proceed immediately with the construction of the new bridge, partly as a scheme to find work for the unemployed.
To best achieve this a temporary wooden bridge was erected alongside it and all power and gas lines were re-routed onto it. Even the town's tram lines and their accompanying overhead power system were moved over.
The old bridge was then demolished and the new one erected.
On 22 June 1927 the new bridge was complete and opened to traffic by the Transport Minister Wilfrid Ashley.