Heritage England has taken Chetwynd Bridge, Staffordshire, in the Midlands region of the UK, off its at-risk list.
The Grade 2* Listed 1824 crossing over the River Tame found its way on to the Heritage At-Risk register in 2020 because of significant structural defects. It is the largest surviving pre-1830s cast-iron bridge in England and the second largest in the world.
The bridge is attributed to the county surveyor Joseph Potter and it was manufactured by the Coalbrookdale Company. It was built from cast iron and rusticated ashlar.
Chetwynd Bridge following refurbishment. Credit: Staffordshire County Council
In 2022 Staffordshire County Council’s contractor Amey replaced some of the bridge’s cast-iron elements, improved bracing and internal strengthening, repaired masonry and replaced protective paint. The bridge is subject to weight and speed limits, and has had concrete barriers installed to restrict the passage of wide vehicles and protect the parapets.
Staffordshire Council is seeking funding for an US$18.4 million vehicle bridge to take motor traffic so the historic crossing can be reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
