Usk Bridge (Usk)

The Usk Bridge, Usk, Monmouthshire, carries the A472 over the River Usk. It is the town's oldest crossing of the river and is a Grade II* listed structure.

Usk Bridge
"well-proportioned 18th and early 19th century road bridge"[1]
Coordinates	51.7018°N 2.9068°W / 51.7018; -2.9068
Carries	road traffic
Crosses	River Usk
Locale	Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales
Characteristics
Material	Old Red Sandstone
No. of spans	5
Piers in water	2
History
Designer	William Edwards
Construction start	1746-47
Construction end	1836-37
Statistics
Daily traffic	road
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official name	The Usk Bridge (partly in Llanbadoc Community)
Designated	1 April 1974
Reference no.	2129
Location

History and description

The existing stone bridge is constructed of Old Red Sandstone and is attributed to the Welsh bridge builder William Edwards. It was built between 1746 and 1747. It has five arches with pointed cutwaters between each arch.^[1] The bridge was widened in 1836-7, the widening maintaining the original appearance.^[1] The evidence of reconstruction can be seen in the arch soffits.^[2]

The bridge was designated a Grade II* listed structure in 1974.^[1] The architectural historian John Newman described it as "traditional but well-proportioned".^[2] It has been subject to considerable damage by traffic in the 21st century.^[3]

See also

• List of bridges in Wales