§ Mr. Raffanasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has received the outstanding consultants' reports on the Severn crossing; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerCopies of the reports listed below have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. They provide the expected confirmation of the general extent and type of strengthening necessary for the crossing to cope with future traffic loading.
(1) Independent Appraisal of the Wye Bridge and Viaduct and the Beachley Viaduct—by Husband & Co.
This confirms the earlier findings of the Flint & Neill Partnership (published in May 1983) about the strengthening work that will be necessary.(2) Appraisal of Aust viaduct—by Husband & Co.
This updates the appraisal which Husband & Co. carried out in May 1983 as a sub-contract for the Flint & Neill Partnership.(3) Independent assessment of the Aust viaduct—by the Flint & Neill Partnership.
This is the check of Husband & Co's appraisal (item (2) above). The two firms are generally agreed on the work that is necessary.(4) Report on the risk of ship collision with the piers of the Severn crossing—by the Flint & Neill Partnership and Husband & Co.
The consultants conclude that it is only necessary to investigate protective measures for the piers of the Aust viaduct The risk to the piers of the Wye bridge will be the subject of a separate report.