HC Deb 14 July 1982 vol 27 cc415-6W
34. Mr. John H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether, as part of the review he is conducting on bridges and crossings, including the Severn bridge and Tinsley viaduct, Sheffield, about the level of repair and maintenance necessary for safety, he will make a statement about discussions he is now having about construction standards for future new bridges.

Mrs. Chalker

The loading standard for long span bridges and the code for the assessment of pre-1922 bridges are being revised to take account of increased traffic loading.

These bridges will then be assessed in priority order over a period of time.

Meanwhile, I am satisfied that the Department's motorway and trunk road bridges have adequate margins of safety, albeit reduced ones, in respect of the extreme but possible traffic loading conditions.