Balfour Beatty has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the landmark Llanfoist to Abergavenny Active Travel Bridge. Construction of the scheme began in early June 2026, with completion scheduled for late 2027.
Welcome to the Llanfoist to Abergavenny Active Travel Bridge and Links newsletter.
We will issue a regular newsletter to keep everyone updated on the project’s progress. Each edition will include key updates, progress photos, and highlights of our social value activities, as well as information on how you can get involved.
Balfour Beatty Project Drop-in
Join the Balfour Beatty project team for a friendly Q&A session, find out more about the project and hear what the project could mean for the local community.
Whether you live locally, travel through the area, use the meadows, run a local business, or simply want to know more about the project, the team would be pleased to meet you. No question is too small and it’s a chance to discuss what matters to you.
Date: Thursday 16 July
Time: 11am–1pm
Address: Balfour Beatty site, Merthyr Rd, Llanfoist, Abergavenny NP7 9LH
What3words: ///destiny.protect.intricate
If you cannot attend but have questions you would like to ask, please email aats@balfourbeatty.com.
Construction Update
Construction will be delivered in phases to allow work within the sensitive River Usk environment and surrounding meadows while protecting biodiversity throughout the project.
Since early June 2026, Balfour Beatty has completed a range of essential enabling works to prepare the site for construction.
These have included vegetation clearance and the careful removal of topsoil to prepare the area for the site compound.
During these works, it was identified that the topsoil is relatively shallow due to the area’s historic use as a tip. The excavated topsoil has been stored on site and will be reused during reinstatement once construction is complete, to maintain the ecology of the site and to minimise waste.
June Progress Update
Balfour Beatty is now establishing the site compound and access road, constructing working platforms and a diversion path where works will block access to the existing riverside footpath.
Foundation works are progressing well, with piling activities currently underway to support the construction of the bridge landing, central pier, and caissons.
Southern Abutment Piling Works
The working platform required to support piling activities for the southern abutment has now been completed. Similar to the access road, the platform was constructed following vegetation clearance and topsoil removal using clean quarried 6F5 aggregate laid over a composite geotextile, providing a stable foundation for construction equipment.
The next phase of works involves the installation of the abutment foundation piles. Each abutment will be supported by three reinforced concrete piles, measuring 600mm in diameter and extending to a depth of approximately 25 metres. The piles are constructed by first drilling to the required depth using a specialist piling rig, before installing a steel reinforcement cage and concrete to form the permanent structure.
Once complete, the piles will be connected to the reinforcement within the abutment structure, creating a continuous foundation system in accordance with the design. These foundations will provide critical support for the bridge and form the base of the southern abutment.
South Access Road Construction
The southern access road has now been completed, providing safe and reliable access for construction activities planned on the southern side of the site throughout 2026. The access road was constructed using clean quarried 6F5 aggregate laid over a composite geotextile membrane. This construction method strengthens the underlying ground and provides a stable surface capable of supporting the heavy plant and equipment required during the next phase of works.
In-river Working Programme
The construction of the bridge within the River Usk is subject to strict environmental restrictions set by Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
NRW only permits in-river works to take place between 1 July and 15 October each year. This restricted working window is designed to protect the river’s sensitive ecology, ensuring that construction activities do not interfere with fish spawning and migration periods.
As a result, all works within the river must be carefully planned and completed during this permitted period.
Public Rights of Way (PROW) Diversion
To enable construction and ensure safe working, two temporary routes have been developed. One is for plant moving between the road or site compound and the working area. The other is the Public Right of Way diversion path, which was made under order ‘Temporary Closure of Footpath 2 (part) Abergavenny Urban also known as Footpath 2(part) Abergavenny’ decision reference 108.
The Public Rights of Way diversions will stay in place for the duration of the construction works. The bridge landings and ramps will be constructed once the bridge is in place, and, on the Castle Meadows side, these will follow the original alignment of the Public Right of Way.
The site access route will be fenced off only when required for the movement of plant and will be decommissioned during the winter. The route will be left in place until works are completed. A temporary track for bridge lifting apparatus will be installed on this route when required.
Project Development
The bridge is being constructed to provide a crossing from Llanfoist to Abergavenny for ‘active travel’ – that is, getting about by walking, wheeling or cycling – for which the existing Usk Bridge is not an easy or accessible option for many. Monmouthshire County Council has worked with local people, campaigners and stakeholders through extensive consultation to prepare a design for a bridge and connecting paths, supported by design consultants WSP and Knight Architects and construction contractors Balfour Beatty, to realise this long-awaited project.
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said:
“This is a hugely exciting moment for Abergavenny and Llanfoist. After years of planning and partnership working, it’s fantastic to see construction of the new bridge finally underway. This project will transform how people travel between our communities, providing a safe, accessible and attractive route for walking, wheeling and cycling across the River Usk.
“The bridge is much more than a piece of infrastructure, it’s an investment in our communities, our health and our future. It will help people make greener travel choices and connect residents with jobs, education and leisure opportunities. Seeing work start on site is a real milestone, and I know many people will be as delighted as I am to see this long-awaited project becoming a reality.”
Funding for the scheme has been provided through Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund and, more recently, the Cardiff Capital Region Regional Transport Fund. The Active Travel Fund is administered by Transport for Wales, who have advised on and supported the scheme throughout its development.
Matthew Gilbert, Head of Active Travel & Placemaking at Transport for Wales said:
“We’re really pleased to see this scheme progressing following several years of close partnership working with Monmouthshire County Council, supported by funding from Welsh Government.
“This new route will create a vital link between Llanfoist and Abergavenny, making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys, while also improving access to the Meadows and its surrounding green spaces.
“Schemes like this play an important role in supporting healthier, more sustainable travel choices, and we look forward to continuing our support as the project moves towards completion.”
Social Value and Community Engagement
Alongside construction activities, our Social Value Impact Advisor has been working closely with local schools, community organisations and stakeholders to develop a programme of social value initiatives that will deliver lasting benefits across the local area.
Recent engagement has included meetings with Llanfoist Primary School and King Henry VIII School to discuss careers activities, work experience opportunities and educational projects linked to the bridge, active travel and the environment.
Discussions have also taken place with Monmouthshire County Council and Friends of Castle Meadows to explore opportunities to support improvements to local footpaths and signage. In addition, we have started building a partnership with local charity Stump Up For Trees, with plans to support its work through employee volunteering and, where possible, by procuring goods and services from the organisation.
The strong relationships already established across the community have identified a wide range of opportunities to create positive local impact throughout the delivery of the project, helping to maximise the social, environmental and economic benefits it brings to the area.
Pictured (left to right):
Ryan Anderson, Project Manager, Balfour Beatty;
Andrew Powell –Rights of Way Field Officer, MCC;
Duncan Thompson –Active Travel Project Officer, MCC;
Ruth Rourke – Countryside Access Manager, MCC;
Mel Colton-Dyer, Social Impact Advisor, Balfour Beatty.
