Newenden Bridge
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Newenden Bridge (also known as Rother Bridge) is a Grade II* listed road bridge and scheduled monument in Newenden, carrying the A28 between Tenterden and Hastings over the River Rother. It crosses the county boundary between Kent and Sussex.[1]
History
The bridge was constructed in 1706 as a joint venture between Kent and Sussex councils, according to an inscription on the parapet. It is a multi-span bridge constructed of sandstone and features three medieval style round-head arches.[2] The downstream side to the east features shouldered buttresses, while the upstream side to the west has pointed cut-waters. The lower portion of these has been reinforced with white brick at a later date.[1]
It was listed as a scheduled monument in 1932,[3] and Grade II* listed in 1961.[1]
Traffic and Maintenance
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Though the bridge has had a small amount of repairs and changes, it has largely survived intact from its original 18th century construction, and still includes its original timbers.[2][4] However, it now carries heavy goods vehicles across it regularly, which makes it unsuitable for modern day use. The bridge is single-track and controlled by traffic lights.[5] There is no footpath across the bridge, so pedestrian traffic has to mix with vehicles, making it a dangerous crossing. A local councillor said "the only option for pedestrians crossing is to run the gauntlet between the change of lights".[6]
The bridge's stonework underwent repair in the late 20th century.[1]
In mid-2024, it was scheduled to be closed for maintenance for three months, resulting in a lengthy detour for traffic.[7][8] This was later postponed to 2025.[5]
River cruises run from the bridge upstream along the Rother to Bodiam Castle.[4]