§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will detail repairs carried out to the Severn bridge since 1 January;
(2) if he will make a statement detailing precisely what work is to be carried out on the Severn bridge by December 1984.
§ Mr. RidleySince the beginning of the year a programme to replace 36 hangers has been in progress and is due to be completed in June. In addition, some minor welding repairs have been carried out.
During the remainder of 1984, apart from the completion of the hanger replacement programme, toll computer equipment will be replaced, a fibre-optic cable to improve TV surveillance will be installed, repairs to the carriageway surfacing will be carried out, and programmed painting will continue. A new weighbridge may also be installed. The timing of work within the strengthening programme depends on detailed design work and, in some cases, further technical studies. Among the items which it may be possible to have ready for execution later this year are the ballasting of the anchorages and works within the deck boxes.