§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has yet completed his investigation into the work necessary to repair the A19 viaduct over the River Tees and the southbound carriageways; how much the total repair works will cost; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe investigations which are being carried out are of a highly complex and technical nature. They are taking longer than expected, but I hope to make a full statement in the new year.
Resurfacing of the A19 south of the Tees bridge was completed on the southbound carriageway last year at a cost of £600,000. Similar works to a longer length of the northbound carriageway and four slip roads are now nearing completion at a cost of £838,000. Work to seal cracks in the concrete substructure of the bridge has been carried out and together with routine maintenance work has cost about £300,000. The extent and cost of any further works which may be necessary will not be known until the investigations have been completed.