Two high towers dominate the Usk in Newport. Between them, a metallic structure crosses the river, but the passage does not resemble that of an ordinary road bridge. The load is carried in a suspended nacelle, which is moved from one bank to the other under this upper part.
Opened in September 1906, the bridge was designed by R. H. Haynes and Ferdinand Arnodin. Large-masted vessels were to continue to reach the upstream docks. A classical structure placed too low would have hindered their circulation; the chosen solution therefore maintained the main part at a high height.
A carriage moves on this structure and drives the nacelle held by cables. Travellers do not need to climb to the upper metal passage to cross. The object at first seems disproportionate in relation to its loading. Its logic appears when we look at the river: we had to move people while leaving room for boats.
What we know
Historical principle and heritage description; current opening to the public unasserted.
To go to the source
References accessed October 11, 2026. Linked pages may be in another language.
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