§ 9. Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Transport what steps he has taken to ensure that the construction of the Medway bridge on the M.2 takes advantage of the latest design techniques.
§ Mr. MarplesThe design was entrusted to a firm of consulting engineers with wide experience in this country and abroad. Three alternative designs were prepared, each employing the latest techniques, and tenders were invited for each. Contractors who tendered were invited to propose variations where they considered these might be advantageous. This bridge will be the largest pre-stressed clear span in the world.
§ Mr. BurdenIs my right hon. Friend aware that we shall all look upon this as a very great monument to the present Minister of Transport? We shall also be very happy to know the date by which it will be finished.
§ Mr. MarplesIt will be some considerable time before it is finished, but work has started. The main span is 500 feet and the total length is over 1,000 feet. I think that when it is finished it will attract the interest of engineers from all over the world.