HL Deb 30 January 1967 vol 279 cc881-2WA
Lord FERRIER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Regarding the Bridge which carries the A.702 Road over the Clyde at Wandell, Lanarkshire:—

  1. 1. How many road accidents took place at the bridge in 1966.
  2. 2. On how many occasions was the bridge consequently closed to traffic.
  3. 3. How many persons involved were injured.
  4. 4. For how many days during the year was the A.702 closed to traffic at the bridge.
  5. 5. What is the longest period during which it was closed to traffic at one time.
  6. 6. What steps are being taken to remedy this danger and inconvenience to road users—
    1. (a) By reconstructing the bridge.
    2. (b) By erecting adequate warning signs.

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)

I have the following information from Lanarkshire County Council, the highway authority for this Class I road. Five accidents occurred at this bridge in 1966; and one person was slightly injured. The bridge was closed on four occasions; during 1966 it was closed for a total of 87 days, on 30 of these during daylight working hours only. The longest period in 1966 was 30 days, from 18th April to 17th to May, but a further closure from 5th December continued until 18th January, 1967, a total of 45 days.

The reconstruction of the bridge is included in the County Council's future programme for road improvements. The warning signs already erected on the approaches are being supplemented by the addition of "chevron" signs to indicate a sharp deviation of the route, and the County Council also intends to replace the existing signs by the new Worboys signs, which should be more effective.

House adjourned at a quarter before nine o'clock.