Mr. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether, in view of the postponement of the Severn Bridge and the congestion of traffic at Chepstow, he will consult with the British Transport Commission with a view to converting the present railway bridge at Sharpness to enable it to take road as well as rail traffic; and whether he will also consider a by-pass road round Chepstow, crossing the Wye by a Bailey bridge.
§ Mr. WatkinsonProposals for the conversion of the existing railway bridge at Sharpness, to enable it to carry road as well as rail traffic, were considered carefully, in consultation with the British Transport Commission, some years ago and were also examined afresh early last year. Only extremely restricted road use would be possible, which would not justify the very considerable expenditure involved.
A by-pass of Chepstow would be a very expensive project, even if a Bailey bridge were used for the Wye crossing. In present circumstance, I cannot fit it into the early years of my road programme, particularly as within a few years the completion of the Ross Spur should relieve A.48, and so Chepstow, of some of its traffic.