Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the necessary authority has yet been obtained for the crossing of the River Foyle at Madams Bank; when the necessary approach road system will be completed; and how this compares with the original date set.
§ Mr. ConcannonArticle 3(1) of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1975 empowers the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment to make an order authorising the construction of bridges over navigable waters. The Department expects to be able to publish a proposal to make such an order for Madams Bank Bridge immediately following the publication of the statement by the Northern Ireland Department of Housing Local Government and Planning on the Londonderry Area Plan Design 1972.
The completion of the approach road system will form part of the construction programme for the Madams Bank Bridge project. The timing of this programme 840W will depend upon the outcome of the current review of public expenditure and at this stage I am not able to say whether the projected date of completion will be the same as had been originally forecast, that is 1980.
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of vehicles crossing Craigavon Bridge, Londonderry, each week; what are the peak flows; what is the projection for the Foyle crossings, namely, Craigavon and Madams Bank bridges, for 1980 and 1985; what is the peak flow with which Craigavon Bridge (both docks) can cope with if there were not any security checks; and whether these projections and flows have been reviewed in the light of the fuel crisis.
§ Mr. ConcannonAt the latest traffic census in August 1974 the number of vehicles crossing the Craigavon Bridge in Londonderry was 15,900 per 16-hour day. In 1970 before the special security arrangements were instituted the figure was 26,400 vehicles per day.
The peak hour flow was 1,481 vehicles in 1974 and 2,468 vehicles in 1970.
The latest available traffic projection figures are those shown in the Londonderry Traffic Study Stage B Report 1970. This forecasts peak hour flows equivalent to the following:—
Craigavon Bridge 1981 3,860 vehicles 1991 4,950 vehicles Madams Bank Bridge 1981 3,000 vehicles 1991 5,050 vehicles This forecast is being reviewed at present and the revised forecast figures are expected to be appreciably lower. No forecasts have been made for 1980 or 1985.
In the absence of security checks but taking into account the limited capacity of the junctions at each end, the peak hourly flow with which both decks of Craigavon Bridge can cope is estimated to lie between 2,500 and 3,000 vehicles.
In the review referred to above the traffic implications of the fuel crisis are being taken into account.