§ 77. Sir T. Beamishasked the Minister of Transport (1) if he is aware that the strict enforcement of the weight limit on the swing bridge in Newhaven is causing traffic delays in Newhaven and Lewes, as well as inconvenience to hauliers, with consequent damage to the export effort; and if he will announce his Department's agreement to the proposed carrying capacity of the replacement for the swing bridge, without prejudice to the line of a relief road or by-pass;
(2) if he will make a statement on the recent and forthcoming talks between his department and interested parties on the replacement of Newhaven swing bridge.
(3) when he expects that work will start on the relief road or by-pass in Newhaven, including the bridging the River Ouse; and what is the approximate comparative cost of these alternative 442W proposals, showing the cost of construction and compulsory purchase separately.
§ Mr. MarshI am aware of the traffic difficulties in the Newhaven area. It is too early to say when work could start on a relief road or by-pass at Newhaven.
As a result of discussions in the last few days between officials of the Ministry and the East Sussex County Council, the responsible highway authority, it has been agreed that the Council will complete in the autumn of this year its study of the relative merits and costs of a relief road or a by-pass. The county council will report its decision to me so that I can consider when the scheme can be fitted into the programme.
The county council is also to consider seeking specialist technical advice, with Ministry assistance, on possible interim measures at or near the present swing bridge.
The carrying capacity of the replacement for the swing bridge, whether temporary or permanent, will be sufficient for all normal traffic.