§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of maintenance on the Severn bridge; and what studies are available to him on the condition and maintenance of the bridge.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe inspection and maintenance of the Severn bridge is a continuing process. An interim report by consulting engineers showed that, because of the increase in heavy vehicle traffic, it would be necessary to replace the existing bridge hangers with stronger ones. New hangers will now be designed. Meanwhile, the lane restriction that has been introduced in the early morning84W is keeping the traffic within acceptable margins of safety. The consulting engineers are now making an appraisal of the whole bridge and I expect to know the results in about a month's time.