§ Mr. Roger Kingasked the Secretary of State for Transport when the report will be completed on investigations into the Midland links motorway viaducts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI have today placed the interim report on the concrete investigations of the Midland links viaducts in the Library of the House. It deals vv ith the investigations to date and the remedial and protective measures which have been taken.
Nothing has so far emerged to call into question the structural integrity of the viaducts and no traffic restrictions are proposed on this account.
Nevertheless, the report recommends that further research should be carried out into the effects on reinforced concrete of water contaminated by de-icing salts. This will enable an evaluation to be made of the most effective long-term measures. The problems identified are not unique to these viaducts and the work to be undertaken over the next few years will be of benefit to other structures.
Urea was used as a de-icing agent on the Midland links last winter and its use will be continued this coming winter.