§ 75. Sir T. Beamishasked the Minister of Transport (1) when the swing bridge over the Ouse on the A.259 at Newhaven first became subject to an eight-ton limit; why the restriction has not been enforced in the past; how long it is to continue; and if she will give urgent instructions to strengthen the bridge until the Newhaven relief road and new river crossing are completed;
(2) what new safety factors are involved in the sudden enforcing of the eight-ton limit on the swing bridge over the Ouse on the A.259 at Newhaven; and whether, in view of the delay caused to commercial vehicles and the increased traffic congestion in Lewes due to their being diverted, she will take steps to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe restriction was imposed on 27th January by an order made by the East Sussex County Council following an assessment of the carrying capacity of the bridge by the Railways Board which was agreed by the Department. The assessment was carried out as part of the nation-wide programme announced last year for determining the adequacy of old bridge structures for present day traffic.
The Board have carried out temporary strengthening to secure the 8-ton limit, with a special dispensation for buses, and are now considering whether any further strengthening is feasible short of major reconstruction.