Iconic crossing unites north and south of county

THIS WEEK (Mar 25) marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Cleddau Bridge – a key part of Pembrokeshire’s transport network that now carries over 4.4 million vehicles each year.

Spanning the wide and deep Milford Haven estuary, the bridge links the north and south of the county, connecting Neyland and Pembroke Dock. Before its construction, the journey between the two towns was a 28-mile detour by road, or a ferry crossing operated by the former County Council.

At 820 metres long with a main span of 213 metres and standing 37 metres above high water, the Cleddau Bridge remains one of the longest box girder bridges in the world.

The need for a 24-hour fixed crossing emerged during the 1960s, with the growth of the port at Milford Haven and the development of petrochemical facilities in the area. Construction of the Cleddau Bridge, along with the smaller Westfield Pill bridge, began soon afterwards under a £2.1 million contract.

However, the project was marred by tragedy. On June 2, 1970, a 60-metre cantilever section collapsed on the south bank, killing four workers. The disaster prompted a major review of design and safety standards for box girder bridges across the UK.

Despite the setback, the bridge was eventually completed and opened to traffic in 1975. In its first year, around 885,900 vehicles used the crossing. By March 2009, that number had risen to a record 4.6 million.

For 44 years, from opening until March 28, 2019, the bridge operated as a toll crossing, with drivers paying a charge each way. Pembrokeshire County Council successfully negotiated the removal of the tolls, securing a funding agreement with the Welsh Government. Since then, the benefit has been widely felt by local communities and businesses.

Maintenance of the bridge has been the responsibility of Pembrokeshire County Council since April 1996, with a dedicated team of engineers and operatives based at the 24/7 Bridge Office. Staff respond rapidly to weather events, including high winds, and ensure the safe operation of the crossing year-round.

Over the years, major works have included:

Gantry replacement (1993)

Repainting (1994 and 2011)

Pier-top strengthening (2001)

Waterproofing and resurfacing (2003/4)

Replacement of roller bearings with sliding (rocker) bearings (2014)

The bridge’s upkeep currently costs around £3.1 million per year, based on its projected 120-year lifespan. A replacement today would cost over £140 million.

Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “The Cleddau Bridge is a key route in our county’s road network and we are remembering today the hard work, and sadly the lives lost, in the construction of this vital piece of infrastructure.

“Fifty years on from its opening, use of the Cleddau Bridge has not diminished, and its important contribution to the economy of the county cannot be understated.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, added: “For many people in Pembrokeshire, the Cleddau Bridge is just part of the landscape, but there are still many residents who remember the long drive around the Haven before it was built.

“Indeed, I also remember my father taking me on the ferry across from Neyland to Hobbs Point in the sixties – an exciting trip for a young child in those days.

“Within the engineering community, the Cleddau Bridge is well-known for its unique design and for being the longest bridge of this type in the world.”