§ 35. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the present estimated cost of the Severn Bridge Scheme; to what extent the approach roads included in the £40 million scheme are regarded as indispensable; and what is the estimated period over which construction would be spread
§ Mr. MolsonAs the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following is the answer:The preliminary estimate of the cost of constructing the bridges over the Severn and the Wye is £10,600,000. The figure of £40 million as stated by my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary in the debate on 8th December, represents the estimated cost of basing a programme of improved road communications with west South Wales on the Severn Bridge scheme and it includes the cost of the following roads which are regarded as indispensable: —Western and eastern approach roads to the bridge from Crick on A.48 and from Almondsbury on A.38.A new road from Almondsbury to link with A.4 at Chippenham.A motor road from Newport to Crick and part of the proposed Bristol-Birmingham motor road (these roads being required to enable traffic between South Wales and the Midlands to make full use of the bridge).The period over which construction would be spread would depend on the funds made available. The time to be allowed for completion of the Severn Bridge itself, including the prior removal of the Army Apprentices Camp at Beachley, would be eight or nine years.