§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he is proposing to hold with local authorities and other interested parties about the possibility of closing the Severn bridge for repairs and maintenance at certain times during the summer months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThere are no plans to close the bridge for repairs and maintenance during the summer months. Closures of one or both carriageways may be necessary on a few occasions during the major strengthening works, but these are planned for the winter at night times over weekends. The strengthening contract will stipulate strict conditions about lane closures and none will be permited at peak times.
The traffic management strategy during the above works has been discussed in principle by the Severn crossing consultative committee and in detail by the traffic management liaison committee, on both of which local highway and police authorities, users organisations and the industry are represented at official level. These committees will continue to meet regularly to discuss future developments.
In the event of unexpected delays due to planned works, or to unplanned incidents such as high winds and accidents, a strategy for the diversion of traffic on the English side has also been agreed with the police and the local authorities. This strategy will be implemented before the main strengthening work starts. Similar arrangements already operate on the Welsh side of the crossing.
Advance notice and publicity will be given to all planned traffic restrictions, and up-to-date information will be made available to motorists at all times.