§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy in respect of the use of grouted duct tendons as part of box-girder bridges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleThe Department announced on 25 September 1992 that until new standards are available no new bridges using grouted duct post-tensioned prestressed concrete will be commissioned. The announcement covered all types of this form of bridge construction including concrete box-girder bridges.
Bridges which are already being designed are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis and decisions taken whether to continue with the design of the bridge as a post-tensioned structure. Those bridges at an advanced stage of design or under construction when the announcement was made are continuing, although where necessary additional quality control is being adopted during their construction.