§ 15. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on repair work on the Severn bridge; what is the cost of work completed; and what is the current estimate of the total cost of the repair.
70W
§ Mrs. ChalkerWork is in progress to provide improved access into the structure in preparation for the main strengthening. Tenders have been received for strengthening the Aust viaduct, and the contract will be let shortly. Design for the strengthening of Severn and Wye bridges and viaducts is well advanced and tenders will be invited in the next few months.
The cost of strengthening works completed up to the end of October 1985 is about £1 million; this is in addition to the cost of routine maintenance and inspection. The present estimate of the total cost of strengthening and resurfacing the crossing is about £36 million at current prices.