MORE than 40,000 crossings of the Newport Transporter Bridge have taken place since it reopened one year ago.

Figures released by Newport council show that since the bridge was reopened on July 30 last year, 27,579 pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists have crossed the bridge.

In addition to this, 12,515 vehicles have crossed making the total number of crossings over the past year 40,094.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists can cross the bridge, which is now open five days a week, for free and a charge of £1 for vehicles was reintroduced at the end of August last year.

But the bridge has never operated at a profit and the running, maintainence and staffing costs are subsidised by the council.

The bridge, which is the only one of its kind in Wales was built in 1906 but was closed in 2008 after the high level rails supporting the travelling gondolas were deemed unsafe.

But on July 30 last year it reopened following a £1.2million restoration project to fit new high rails.

The restoration was one of the legacies of the Ryder Cup city enhancement programme and was made possible thanks to £800,000 from the Welsh Assembly, £75,000 from Cadw and £350,000 from the council.

But the bridge has still faced some troubles over the past year including mechanical breakdown and adverse weather conditions which has resulted in it only being opened for 193 days of the past year.

But Newport cabinet member for leisure and culture, Cllr Mike Hamilton said it was still "extremely pleasing" to see the structure still taking passengers across the river even though it is no longer a main transport route.

He said: "It is much loved by people in the city and, as one of only a handful of such bridges in the world, continues to attract visitors from far and wide. Its reopening last year, following a major restoration project, was another milestone in the bridge’s long and distinguished history."