HC Deb 09 December 1968 vol 775 cc21-2
21. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Transport if he will state which major bridges are to be built in the future; and which is to have priority.

Mr. Bob Brown

As the information is lengthly I will with permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The economic benefit resulting from the construction or improvement of that section of road on which the bridge is situated determines the order in which it will be built.

Mr. Johnson

Does that list contain the most important bridge of all—the bridge over the Humber? Is my hon. Friend aware that this delay is holding up the long-term planning of Humberside not only in relation to the south bank but also to the much vaunted future conurbation with a population of 500,000, as well as the possibility of a medical school?

Mr. Brown

As a Tynesider, with a new Redheugh bridge figuring in the list, I can assure my hon. Friend that I heartily accept his concern. But he will realise that we have spent a lot of time on this in recent months and must clearly wait for the Humberside Study.

Mr. Webster

Can the hon. Gentleman say when it is proposed to implement the pledge given by the previous Minister of Transport, not at Bassetlaw but at Hull, when she promised that there would be a Humber Bridge?

Mr. Brown

My right hon. Friend said that a Humber Bridge would be built, and I have no reason to contradict that statement.

The information is as follows:

Future major bridges, as distinct from elevated roads and viaducts, costing more than £1 million in the Minister's motorway and trunk road programme and in the principal road programme are, in the order in which work is likely to start:

Motorway and Trunk Roads

A45 Chesterton Bridge, Cambridge (R. Cam).

M5 Avon Bridge.

A614 Clifton Bridge, Nottingham (R. Trent).

A5036 Bootle, Litherland Lift Bridge Diversion.

A19 Tees Bridge (Teesside Diversion).

M62 (Yorkshire) Ouse Bridge.

A18 Keadby Bridge (R. Trent).

Principal Roads

A6082 Redheugh Bridge (R. Tyne)

Middlesbrough, Tees—Newport Bridge

Kingston-upon-Hull (R. Hull).