HC Deb 28 January 1987 vol 109 cc252-3W
Mr. Stern

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) in relation to (i) the Severn bridge, (ii) the Humber bridge and (iii) the Avon bridge what was (a) the length of time between the final grant of planning permission and opening of the bridge, (b) his Department's estimate at the time of the final grant of planning permission, of the date of opening, (c) the actual cost of construction, including all associated costs, (d) the actual cost of construction converted into constant prices at a convenient date close to the final grant of planning permission and (e) the cost of construction estimated by his Department at the time of the final grant of planning permission;

(2) if his Department has prepared an analysis of the difference in construction time (a) of the Humber bridge (b) the Severn bridge and (c) the Avon bridge between that estimated at the time of the final grant of planning permission and outcome;

(3) if his Department has prepared an analysis of the difference in cost (a) of the Humber bridge, (b) the Severn bridge and (c) the Avon bridge between that estimated at the time of the final grant of planning permission, and outcome.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Not all the information is readily available. The Department has not prepared analyses in the form requested. The procedures and powers used for authorisation of construction were not the same in all cases. The information that we have is as follows:

  1. (a) Humber Bridge
    • Constructed under Humber Bridge Act 1972.
    • 1972 estimate of cost of overall project, at then current prices, was £28 million.
    • Actual cost of construction approximately £97 million (including approach roads), £80 million approximately for the bridge itself.
    • Construction commenced 1973, bridge opened 1981 (three and a half years later than estimated).
  2. (b) Severn Bridge
    • Statutory order fixing line of bridge 1947 under Trunk Roads Act.
    • Contract for construction of foundations and approach viaducts awarded 1961 and for the superstructure 1962.
    • Bridge opened 1966.
    • Estimated cost about £11 million.
    • Actual cost £9.8 million.
  3. (c) Avonmouth Bridge
    • Estimated construction time three years from 1969.
    • Opening date May 1974 (that is two years overrun). Tender price £4.2 million.
    • Actual construction costs £10 million.