§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of investigations on the parapet rails of the elevated sections of Midland link motorways.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWe have undertaken the investigations into the effects of waterborne de-icing salts on the concrete elements of the parapet. We are now satisfied that we can put in hand the parapet rail repairs and work is proceeding.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what was the final cost of the bearing replacement work on the Bromford viaduct of the Midland link motorways; and how this compares with the estimate.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerAlthough work on the final contract for the replacement of the bearing plinths is complete, we do not yet have the contractor's final account. My Department has been advised that the estimated final contract cost is £818,000 but this may be varied and I am still awaiting further information from my agents, West Midlands county council, from whom I require a full financial statement. This matter is being pursued vigorously by my Department. The tender sum was £509,793.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the effectiveness of the replacement bearings on the elevated sections of the Midland link motorways; and how this is measured.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerNo bearings have been replaced. We have replaced bearing plinths on the elevated sections 25W of the midland links and they are, and will continue to be, subject to regular inspections. The effectiveness of the replaced plinths will be judged on their durability. So far there is no evidence of any of the defects which affected the previous plinths.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the effectiveness of the new grouts used on the bearing plinths of the elevated sections of Midland link motorways; and how this is measured.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe new grouts are subject to regular inspections, and their effectiveness will be judged on their durability. So far there is no evidence of any of the defects which affected the previous grouts.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the contracts let for work on the plinths and bearings on the elevated sections of Midland link motorways.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThere have been no contracts for bearing replacement. The following contracts have been let for work on plinths:
Viaduct Contract Contractor Completed Titford A Kinmain Construction Ltd. March 1980 B DABB Chemicals Ltd. 24 January 1982 Oldbury A and B R. M. Douglas 19 January 1981 E Conrads 21 December 1978 F Conrads 10 December 1978 G Conrads 4 April 1979 Wigmore DABB Chemicals Ltd. 24 January 1982 Ray Hall A Percy Billon 28 April 1978 B Wrekin 5 December 1978 C Wrekin 29 June 1979 D Conrads 25 May 1979 E Advanced Sealants Ltd. 20 February 1981 Bescot C Conrads 17 September 1978 D Wrekin 10 January 1979 E Wrekin 14 March 1979 F Percy Billon 9 March 1979 G Percy Bilton 14 October 1978 Queslett Advanced Sealants Ltd. January 1980 Thornbridge DABB Chemicals Ltd. 6 November 1981 Witton DABB Chemicals Ltd. 24 November 1980 Gravelly Hill R. M. Douglas 21 March 1982 Bromford A1 Wrekin 17 March 1983 B Wrekin 22 March 1983 C Lilley Construction Ltd. 2 August 1984