§ 128. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that the proposed closure of the Thorne canal swing bridge on the A614 without the provision of an emergency temporary bridge will cause public service vehicles to make a detour of 60 miles; and whether she will now give consideration to the erection of a Bailey bridge.
§ Mr. SwinglerThe extra mileage for a public service vehicle, which in any event should not be more than 14 miles each way, can be avoided by operating shuttle services terminating either side of the canal, which pedestrians will be able to cross. A further examination of the possibility of building a temporary bridge is being made, but a Bailey bridge would be unsuitable as it would obstruct navigation; a temporary bridge and the necessary approaches could not be provided in time for the proposed closure for urgently needed repairs.