§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his Department's estimate of the safe life of the Dartford tunnel; whether the Essex and Kent county councils have formally transferred responsibility to his Department; and what is the programme for the building of the new four-lane bridge.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe two tunnels under the Thames at Dartford were completed in 1963 and 1980. There are no reason why they should not survive as engineering structures indefinitely, provided that they continue to receive appropriate maintenance.
The Dartford-Thurrock Crossing Bill, currently before the House, would, if approved by Parliament, transfer the tunnels to the Secretary of State on a date to be appointed by him.
The Bill would also authorise the construction of the new four-lane bridge. It would be built by Dartford River Crossing Ltd., which is contracted to design, build and finance the bridge and operate the whole crossing, taking tolls for a maximum of 20 years or until the company has recovered its costs, whichever comes first.
If the Bill is not substantially amended so as to require further design work, the company proposes to begin construction about one month after Royal Assent. Construction is expected to take 2½ years.